Key points from article :
Johns Hopkins Medicine researchers have developed an implantable artificial lymph node, a tiny sac filled with immune-boosting substances, designed to activate the body's T-cells to fight cancer.
This hyaluronic acid-based node, loaded with cancer antigens, acts as a training ground for T-cells, teaching them to recognize and destroy cancer cells.
In mice with melanoma or colon cancer, those receiving the artificial lymph node, T-cells, and an immunotherapy drug showed the best survival and slowest tumor growth compared to other treatment groups.
This promising new approach, detailed in the issue of Advanced Materials, could offer a simpler alternative to existing cell therapies for cancer treatment.
Further research is planned to enhance the lymph node and attract more immune cells to bolster its effectiveness.
