Recent studies show that osteosarcoma cells interact closely with immune cells, especially macrophages - a type of white blood cell that can either attack cancer cells or, sometimes, help them grow. Understanding how these macrophages are “programmed” by the tumour to behave either way is key to finding new ways to boost the body’s natural defenses.
One drug that activates macrophages, called mifamurtide, has shown some benefit, suggesting that strengthening the immune response could help patients. However, more research is needed to fully understand and control this process.
Dr Monica Pascual Garcia from the University of Barcelona was awarded an Idea Grant to study how osteosarcoma cells influence macrophages and to explore new treatments that can “re-educate” these immune cells to fight the tumour and stop it from spreading.
What are the aims of this research project?
The researchers aim to understand how osteosarcoma cells suppress the immune system and how to reverse this effect. The project focuses on macrophages, a type of immune cell that can be switched from a “tumour-helping” to a “tumour-fighting” state.
They will use advanced laboratory models that closely mimic the human disease, including patient-derived tumour samples.
How could this project improve treatment options for osteosarcoma patients?
This research aims to develop more effective and safer immunotherapies for osteosarcoma patients. By improving their understanding of how immune cells behave in bone cancer, they hope to design treatments that help the body’s own defenses fight the tumour and prevent it from spreading. The data generated in this project, especially from RNA sequencing, will also be shared with the research community, helping other scientists develop new therapies and giving hope for better outcomes in patients with metastatic osteosarcoma.
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