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New “Smart Immune Cells” for Long-Lasting Tumor Destruction

USC biomedical engineers have developed “EchoBack CAR T-cells,” a breakthrough in cancer immunotherapy that can attack tumor cells for five times longer than regular CAR T-cells without tiring. These smart immune cells are activated by focused ultrasound at tumor locations and continue seeking and destroying cancer cells for at least five days, therefore requiring fewer hospital visits for patients. The technology works as an “on switch” triggered by a short 10-minute pulse of ultrasound, after which the cells sense and attack nearby cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue. In lab experiments with mouse models, the EchoBack CAR T-cells significantly outperformed standard CAR T-cells when tested against prostate cancer and glioblastoma cells. This breakthrough technology offers hope for treating solid tumors that traditionally haven’t responded well to immunotherapy and could potentially be adapted for other cancer types like breast cancer and retinoblastoma.

Read the science here.

Image credit: Meletios Verras / iStock

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The ideas expressed here are solely the opinions of the author and are not researched or verified by AGEIST LLC, or anyone associated with AGEIST LLC. This material should not be construed as medical advice or recommendation, it is for informational use only. We encourage all readers to discuss with your qualified practitioners the relevance of the application of any of these ideas to your life. The recommendations contained herein are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. You should always consult your physician or other qualified health provider before starting any new treatment or stopping any treatment that has been prescribed for you by your physician or other qualified health provider. Please call your doctor or 911 immediately if you think you may have a medical or psychiatric emergency.

Taylor Marks
Taylor Marks is a certified holistic health coach and professionally trained chef from The Institute of Culinary Education. Her passions include the latest research in health science, culinary arts, holistic wellness, and guiding others towards feeling their best.