We are already aware of how astonishing our body’s immune system is in fighting invading bacteria and viruses and restoring us to health following an ailment, but the newest outcomes from a report by Cardiff University are positioned to generate an innovative and unforeseen advancement with a new cancer treatment that stops cancer in its tracks.
Scientists discovered a specific kind of immune cell, a T-cell, located in our blood, which is able to scan and destroy threats – including a wide array of cancer cells: kidney, prostate, colon, lung, breast, ovarian, cervical, blood, and others. And astoundingly, all normal tissue is left unchanged.
The newly discovered T-cell works with a certain molecule found on the surface of each cell within our body, referred to as the MR1 molecule. The hypothesis is that the MR1 is notifying the T-cell of any cancer cell deformations. Garry Dolton, who was an important part of the research team, points out, “We are the first to describe a T-cell that finds MR1 in cancer cells – that hasn’t been done before; this is the first of its kind.”
While there is currently a similar type of treatment, called CAR-T, that has shown extraordinary results in bringing individuals from a terminal status to complete remission, it is only been shown to be successful in some forms of cancer, and not “solid cancers” (those that form tumors). This brand new discovery has revealed thus far to impact all forms of cancer. Here is how it works:
- Blood is extracted from a patient diagnosed with cancer.
- The blood is filtered to eliminate T-cells.
- A particular type of benign virus is injected into the T-cells, letting them pick up on cancer cells.
- These cells are then copied in a lab, and injected back into the individual.
Research has been extremely successful in animal trials, and with further safety checks, the next phase will likely be human trials. As stated by Daniel Davis, professor of immunology at the University of Manchester, “There is no question that it’s a very exciting discovery, both for advancing our basic knowledge about the immune system and for the possibility of future new medicines.”
While we watch and wait for more information on this particular development, you can depend upon Independence-4-Seniors Home Care when it comes to the finest quality care for those diagnosed with cancer and other long-term conditions. Just a few of the countless ways we can help include:
- Meal planning and preparation, specific to any nutritional constraints or difficulties
- Warm and friendly companionship
- Light housekeeping and laundry
- Running errands, such as picking up prescription medications and grocery shopping
- Transportation to medical appointments/procedures and exciting outings
- And a whole lot more
Make the first step to a better quality of life for someone you love. Contact us online or call us at (630) 323-4665 and ask for an in-home meeting to learn more about in home senior care DuPage County and the surrounding areas depend on.