Immunotherapy is one of the most promising areas of cancer research right now
Immunotherapy is revolutionising how a range of cancers are treated. However, it has to date had little impact on solid cancers like cervical, breast and prostate cancer. Associate Professor Alexander Swarbrick has bold ambitions to change that. With his research team, he has identified new types of cells that make up the connective tissue around cancers.
A/Prof Swarbrick explains:
Our research shows that what we once thought of as one (stromal) cell type is in reality a diversity of cell types. That will have a significant impact on how we can tailor cancer treatments in future.
A/Prof Swarbrick’s team is currently working to identify which types of stromal cells block the immune system’s response to a variety of cancers. Unlocking the secrets to how and why this happens is the key to giving the immune system the chance to fight back. A/Prof Swarbrick’s discoveries have extraordinary potential to deliver more powerful and targeted treatments for people like Kellie.
He says:
We may find ways to boost the patient’s immune system to eliminate cancer
These discoveries could not only dramatically increase survival rates for patients like Kellie, they could also reduce the need for treatments like chemotherapy and radiotherapy For all that cancer takes, give this Daffodil Day Appeal. Your donations help researchers such as A/Prof Swarbrick uncover new and better ways to prevent, detect and treat cancer.
