Anti-Swelling Drug Suppresses Immune System, Undermines Brain Cancer Treatment

New research reveals dexamethasone may significantly hinder immunotherapy effectiveness.
Anti-Swelling Drug Suppresses Immune System, Undermines Brain Cancer Treatment
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A widely prescribed steroid used to control brain swelling in cancer patients may be undermining their treatment, according to new research.

Scientists found that dexamethasone, routinely administered to people with brain tumors, significantly suppresses immune function, potentially rendering immunotherapy treatments ineffective.

George Citroner
George Citroner
Author
George Citroner reports on health and medicine, covering topics that include cancer, infectious diseases, and neurodegenerative conditions. He was awarded the Media Orthopaedic Reporting Excellence (MORE) award in 2020 for a story on osteoporosis risk in men.