Prime Highlights:
Mass General Brigham researchers developed a novel immunotherapy that prevents squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) by activating the immune system, specifically CD4+ T helper cells.
The treatment offers lasting protection, with beneficial effects observed up to five years after treatment, marking a significant advancement in cancer prevention.
The combination of calcipotriol (a vitamin D analog) and 5-FU (chemotherapy) successfully eliminated 95% of precancerous skin lesions in patients.
Key Background:
A groundbreaking study led by researchers from Mass General Brigham has unveiled a promising immunotherapy that prevents squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), with effects lasting up to five years post-treatment. Published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation, the study highlights the innovative use of immunotherapy to activate the adaptive immune system, particularly CD4+ T helper cells, a component not typically engaged by traditional cancer treatments.
Squamous cell carcinoma, the second most common form of skin cancer, often arises from precancerous lesions caused by sun damage. Though removing individual precancerous spots can reduce localized risk, it does not effectively lower the likelihood of cancer recurrence. Previous research showed that combining a vitamin D analog (calcipotriol) with chemotherapy (5-FU) could eliminate these precancerous lesions. However, the precise mechanism by which this combination works had remained unclear until now.
The research team, led by Dr. Shawn Demehri, conducted a clinical trial involving 18 patients with precancerous skin lesions. The participants applied a topical treatment of calcipotriol and 5-FU twice daily for six days. Results were striking, with 95% of precancerous lesions on the face being cleared, and 82% of lesions on the scalp showing significant improvement. Importantly, the therapy caused minimal side effects, such as temporary redness or inflammation, all of which resolved within four weeks.
Microscopic analysis of biopsied skin samples revealed that the treatment activated CD4+ T cells at the lesion sites. This immune response was linked to long-term protection, as the beneficial effects of the therapy persisted for up to five years after treatment. Further mouse model studies confirmed that the therapy delayed tumor onset and reduced tumor counts by engaging CD4+ T cells. Dr. Demehri’s team is now exploring the potential of this immunotherapy in other cancer types and in immunocompromised individuals, such as organ transplant recipients. This research opens the door for novel immunotherapies that could revolutionize cancer prevention across various forms of the disease.