New Platform Paves Way for Over-the Counter Cancer Meds

New Platform Paves Way for Over-the Counter Cancer Meds

Israeli molecular biologist Yardena Samuels recently published the results of groundbreaking cancer research with her team at the Weizmann Institute of Science in Rehovot

The research may soon lead to off-the shelf immunotherapy cancer treatments that can be used for large groups of patients, saving the time and costs required for individualized programs.

The Weizmann team’s promising study centers on the identification of neoantigens, which are mutated peptides within tumors that trigger immune responses from T cells. While most neoantigens are unique, varying from patient to patient, there are “hotspot” or recurring neoantigens that are found in larger groups of people. These are difficult to identify, and have been mostly discovered through luck, until now.

In an article published on October 15, 2021, in The Journal of Clinical Investigation, the Samuels Lab team detailed their data-driven approach to identifying recurring neoantigens.

The lab focused on melanoma, using algorithms to search international databases detailing the genomes of thousands of cancer patients. This allowed the team to discover mutations that recur across groups of patients. Once the potential hotspot neoantigens were identified, the team tested their interaction with T cells to prove their effectiveness in immunotherapy.

The result is a groundbreaking technology that can provide new hope for an easily accessible immunotherapy treatment, ready for use in hospitals and for many types of cancers.

Written by Julie Piper

Related Articles

More From Tikun Olam

Kitchen Gardening

Having a kitchen garden does not mean that you have to live on acres and acres of land to be…
Kitchen Gardening

UpnRide for Quadriplegics

UPnRIDE Robotics founded by Technion-Israel Institute of Technology alumnus Dr Amit Goffer…
UpnRide for Quadriplegics

The Advantages of Composting

Composting is a wonderful way to save money, eat healthier, and do something extra for the…
The Advantages of Composting

Top 10 Awesome IDF Innovations

Produced by Israel’s ILTV this flashing list of military hardware declares the advantages of…
Top 10 Awesome IDF Innovations

Publish the Menu module to "offcanvas" position. Here you can publish other modules as well.
Learn More.


donation