Yes, according to new research, where cancer cells were found to act as a ‘weapon’ against other cancer cells.
Known as dual-action therapy, this approach is created to eliminate existing tumours and train the immune system to kill new ones, thus preventing cancer recurrence.
This revolutionary new way to turn cancer cells into potent, anti-cancer agents has been developed by the lab of Khalid Shah, MS, PhD, at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, USA, a founding member of the Mass General Brigham healthcare system.
In their research, investigators developed a new cell therapy to eliminate established growths and induce long-term immunity, which helps train the immune system to prevent cancer from recurring.
The team tested their dual-action, cancer-killing weapon on a deadly brain cancer glioblastoma with promising results.
“Our team has pursued a simple idea: to take cancer cells and transform them into cancer killers and vaccines,” Shah said in a press release.
“Using gene engineering, we are re-purposing cancer cells to develop a therapeutic that kills tumour cells and stimulates the immune system to destroy primary tumours and prevent cancer.”
Brain Cancer Specifications
Brain cancer is a type of cancer that affects the brain or the spinal cord and can be very difficult to treat, often resulting in a poor prognosis.
Worldwide, an estimated 251,329 people died from primary cancerous brain and Central Nervous System tumours in 2020.
The symptoms of brain cancer include:
· Headache – which does not subside from over-the-counter medication
· Weakness in the limbs, face, or one side of the body
· Impaired coordination
· Difficulty while walking
· Difficulty in routine activities like reading and talking
· Noticeable changes in senses like taste and smell
· Bladder control problems
· Changes in mood, personality, or behaviour
· Nausea or vomiting
· Memory loss
The exact causes of brain cancer are not known, but a few of the possible causes are:
· Genetic mutations cause uncontrolled multiplication of cells in the brain, which results in a tumour mass.
· Cancer in other parts of the body.
The risk factors include:
· Family history
· Age – elderly people are at higher risk of developing tumours
· Exposure to chemicals and radiation
