Florida State University researchers are giving oncologists another tool in their fight against pediatric brain cancer. In work in , a research team led by Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry Professor Qing-Xiang "Amy" Sang showed the possibility of enhancing natural killer to improve their ability to attack a rare pediatric brain cancer. "Natural killer cells are the policemen of the body," Sang said.
"They patrol the body and recognize viruses, bacteria and other pathogens, as well as cancer cells. Our goal is to enhance both the quantity and quality of these cells, making them more potent in their ability to combat cancer." Natural killer cells can target all types of cancer, and previous research has examined their effectiveness as a therapy.
But this is the first study to test the ability of natural killer cells to destroy a specific variety of cancer known as a malignant rhabdoid tumor. When this tumor appears in the central nervous system, it is called an atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumor (ATRT). Although it is a , it accounts for 20% of all central nervous system tumors in children younger than 3.
"It's a major unmet clinical need," Sang said. "We still don't have a standard, optimized therapy for children with cancer, especially children with brain cancer." Natural killer cells are a critical part of the human immune system, but they can be overwhelmed by .
Sang's research team wanted to see if they could help the fight against this disease and develop a treatmen.