Belgian researchers further research on cancer

Immunotherapy is one treatment currently being studied that aims to stimulate the patient's immune system to fight cancerous cells. Professor Johan Van Ginderachter's team has identified several types of cells that can induce immune responses against tumours, known as dendritic cells. These are responsible for activating our immune system. Scientists have isolated these cells and used them to "vaccinate" tumours, slowing tumour growth. This success could lead to innovative new therapies to treat cancer.

Professor Van Ginderachter welcomed the development: "We believe that dendritic cells taken from tumours are well suited for the immunotherapy of cancer, because their presence has been confirmed in removed tumours, and they induce a very strong immune response, even though they are quite rare. The fact that we have discovered two types of these suitable dendritic cells is a real surprise!"

The Professor adds: "For this study, we vaccinated using cells that we took from actual tumours to reveal their potential. Logically, the next step will be to find out if the vaccination is successful in a therapeutic context. We will have to remove the tumour, isolate the dendritic cells and then reinject them into the same individual to discover whether we can prevent the formation of new tumours and the remission of the principal tumour. These next steps are also crucial for providing greater understanding as to why some tumours respond better to the first cell type and others to the second. For this part, we are actively seeking a partner."

The Vrije Universiteit Brussel is a university with an international remit in Brussels, at the centre of Europe. By delivering quality research and tailored education, the university wants to make an active and committed contribution to a better society. Within 8 faculties based across 3 campuses, 14,000 students of 127 nationalities study for the 29 Bachelor’s and 76 Master’s courses offered by the VUB.