By using immune system, researchers are finding ways to improve treatment for patients with breast cancer brain metastases.

‘Triple-negative breast cancer brain metastases typically had lower numbers of immune cells in them.
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For the study, researchers analyzed samples of triple negative breast cancer that had spread to the brain along with matched primary tumors. They genetically sequenced the tumors to understand what types of immune cells were present in the tumors, which they could distinguish using specific genetic signatures that are specific to each immune cell.
However, the immune cells present were of a type that typically has corresponded to response to treatments called immune checkpoint inhibitors, which are drugs that "remove the brakes" on immune cells to allow them to attack tumors. The researchers believe that if they can increase the numbers of immune cells that are able to get to the brain metastases, they would see better response to checkpoint inhibitor therapies. 




"This research is still early, but we think that if we can find a way to get immune cells there, they will be responsive there - they will do their job," Vincent said. "The primary problem is not that the environment around the tumor will not allow the immune cells to work. The problem is that the immune cells aren't getting there appropriately. We have to look for strategies to get immune cells in and treat with immunomodulatory agents for peak effect."
Source-Eurekalert