A Certain Type Of Immune Cells Aids Cancer Growth: An Open Question

Recently, rigorous research work in the U.S. has suggested that a certain type of immune cells can actually aid cancer growth! These cells are known as "Myeloid Derived Suppressor" cells that probably provide a niche where the cancer stem cells just might survive and operate after a certain interval of time! Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are a heterogeneous population of immature cells that are defined by their myeloid origin, immature state and ability to potently suppress T cell responses. They regulate immune responses and tissue repair in healthy individuals and the population rapidly expands during inflammation, infection and cancer.

  This study was published in the Immunity journal. A review was done by Yazan S Khaled, Basil J Ammori and Eyad Elkord. Cancer stem cells are currently known as resilient to modern chemotherapy and radiation treatments. Researchers firmly believe that only by the elimination of cancer stem cells, cancer can be prevented worldwide. Research work involved the studying of the cells collected from the most common and fatal type of ovarian cancer in which the patients virtually become resistant to chemotherapy and it causes the cancer to grow again. The researchers also said that if a therapy to combat the function of these cells could be identified, it would be possible to eliminate the immune suppression that helps support the cancer.