Noted Cancer Journal Publishes Work by Abilene Researchers
A study led by researchers at the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Pharmacy in Abilene has resulted in the discovery that the blocking of the single receptor present on the surface of special type of white blood cells can reduce or even prevent metastatic spread of cancer to the lungs.
This study, titled “Complement C5a receptor facilitates cancer metastasis by altering T cell responses in the metastatic niche,” was published online in the May 1 issue of “Cancer Research.” The publication is one of the most prestigious journals related to oncology research.
“This work has profound and immediate clinical implications,” said Associate Professor Maciej Markiewski, Ph.D. “It offers a preclinical rationale to translate complement-based immunotherapies to clinic, as a strategy to prevent or reduce metastatic progression.”
Markiewski, who led the research team, said preventing cancer spread to the vital organs, known also as metastasis, is a Holy Grail of cancer therapy.
“Ninety percent of cancer deaths are attributed to the metastasis process,” Markiewski said. “The progress in this area, however, has been unsatisfactory since mechanisms that control metastasis remain the most poorly understood component of cancer natural history. The treatment options for patients with metastasis are rather limited and once metastases are present there is no cure available.”
Markiewski conducted the study in collaboration with Magdalena Karbowniczek, M.D., Ph.D., from TTUHSC and David Fairlie, Ph.D., from the University of Queensland. Other authors include: SuryaKumari Vadrevu, Navin K. Chintala, Sharad K. Sharma, Priya Sharma, Clayton Cleveland, Linley Riediger and Sasikanth Manne from TTUHSC; Wojciech Gorczyca from Bioreference Laboratories in New Jersey; and Othon Almanza from Clinical Pathology Associates of Abilene. The research was funded by the U.S. Department of Defense.
For more breaking news and experts, follow @ttuhscnews on Twitter.
Related Stories
Noise-Induced Hearing Loss in Rural Adolescents
Leigh Ann Reel, Au.D., Ph.D., CCC-A, discussed the causes and prevention strategies for noise-induced hearing loss, particularly for adolescents in rural areas.
Willed Body Memorial Service Honors Those Who Donated
On Memorial Day each May, a service is conducted at the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Institute of Anatomical Sciences to pay respect to the Willed Body Program donors and their families.
Molecular Pathology Preceptorship: Unmatched Value and Experience
Ericka Hendrix, PhD, MB(ASCP)CM, Program Director and Associate Professor in the Master of Science in Molecular Pathology program in the School of Health Professions spoke about the program’s preceptorship.
Recent Stories
Historic collaboration brings shipping container-based health care clinic to Jeff Davis County
Texas A&M Health and TTUHSC joined with the student-led organization, Texas A&M BUILD—along with local leadership and other collaborators—to unveil a new, innovative medical care facility for a Trans-Pecos region rural community: a 40-foot, retro-fitted shipping container.
Improving Health Care Access, Education Through Research
The service area for TTUHSC, a recognized leader in academic health and biomedical research training, encompasses 121 Texas counties.
Alumni Spotlight: Forrest Summers, MHA, BSN, R.N.
Forrest Summers, MHA, BSN, R.N., is the CEO of Perimeter Behavioral Health of Jackson.