Revolution in the fight against colon cancer: New treatment options discovered!

Revolution in the fight against colon cancer: New treatment options discovered!

There are promising developments in medical research on colorectal cancer that aim to improve patient outcomes. A new collaborative research center - TRR 417 - deals with the in-depth analysis of the tumor microenvironment, which crucially influences the effectiveness of immunotherapy. The University of Freiburg reports that colon cancer is curable if detected early and surgically removed. Immunotherapies are promising for advanced disease, but only work in about 16% of patients. In addition, there is the challenge that the majority of patients hardly respond to existing immunotherapies.

These difficulties are due to the complex tumor microenvironment, which consists of different cell types and is actively manipulated by the tumor. This environment is in close contact with the tumors, especially in the case of metastases in the liver and peritoneum, which further complicates treatment. TRR 417 brings together experts in medicine, biology and data science working together to develop therapeutic approaches to alter the tumor microenvironment and improve the treatment of colorectal tumors.

Immunotherapy requirements

Current research is particularly examining microsatellite-stable colorectal cancer (MSS CRC), which accounts for 85-90% of colorectal cancers. The MedUni Vienna recently published a study that identified possible causes of treatment failure in these tumors. The focus is on the role of the T cells, which can respond directly to signals from diseased cells. But in patients with MSS CRC, these cells show inadequate cancer-fighting function.

A central finding of this study is that connective tissue cells, also called fibroblasts, block the activity of Vẟ1+ T cells. These findings could reveal new ways to improve immunotherapies, particularly by inhibiting the molecule TIGIT on these T cells to partially reverse the blockade. Future research will look more closely at how these cells interact.

Influence of the microbiome

In addition to investigating the role of T cells, Cancer Microbiome Project the influence of the intestinal microbiome on the effectiveness of immunotherapies. Led by Professor Michael Scharl at the University Hospital of Zurich, the team aims to develop new treatment approaches for tumors that do not respond to standard therapies. The composition of the microbiome could play a crucial role here. Initial clinical studies have shown successful transfer of donor stools into the intestines of patients who responded to immunotherapy.

The results of these studies show that the microbiome can stop disease progression and enhance the effectiveness of immunotherapies. In the long term, the project aims to develop personalized therapies based on specific bacterial strains, possibly even in the form of microbiome tablets to improve immunotherapy.

Thanks to interdisciplinary collaboration between experts from different research areas, innovative approaches to the treatment of colorectal cancer could become reality. The ongoing surveys and studies provide important insights that not only deepen our understanding of colorectal cancer, but also bring new hope for patients with difficult-to-treat tumors.