0
0
New research suggests UDCA could enhance immunotherapy effectiveness in liver cancer treatment.
Liver cancer has been one of the most difficult cancers to treat with immunotherapy, an advanced treatment that taps into a patient’s immune system to fight tumors. But a groundbreaking study by scientists at the Salk Institute has revealed that supplementing with a readily-available bile acid could potentially improve outcomes for liver cancer patients and make immunotherapy more effective.
The study, published in Science on January 9, 2025, focused on understanding why immunotherapy has had limited success in treating liver cancer. The researchers identified that bile acids, molecules produced by the liver, play a critical role in the immune system’s ability to target cancer cells. Their work points to a potential solution: ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), a bile acid already used in treating other liver diseases, may be key to enhancing immunotherapy in liver cancer.
The Role of Bile Acids in Liver Cancer
The liver produces more than 100 different bile acids, essential for digestion. However, excessive bile acids in the liver can inhibit the function of T cells, the immune cells that fight cancer. The Salk team discovered that certain bile acids were directly impeding T cell activity, resulting in tumor growth. In contrast, UDCA showed promise in boosting T cell function, making it an exciting prospect for improving liver cancer treatments.
When they tested the effects of UDCA supplementation in mice with liver cancer, they found that it was enough to control tumor growth. This discovery is particularly promising because UDCA supplements are already commercially available and could be easily incorporated into liver cancer treatment regimens.
Implications for Immunotherapy
The implications of this discovery are significant. Immunotherapy has transformed the treatment landscape for cancers like lung, kidney, and bladder cancer, but liver cancer has remained a major challenge. By boosting the immune response in the liver using UDCA, scientists hope to improve the effectiveness of immunotherapy for liver cancer patients. Additionally, they found that regulating bile acids through dietary supplements could serve as a fast, cost-effective method to enhance cancer treatment.
“We are really excited about the potential of UDCA,” said Professor Susan Kaech, senior author of the study. “It could provide an easy-to-administer addition to liver cancer therapies that would make immunotherapy more effective, and we’re already a step ahead since UDCA is already used to treat liver disease.”
Potential for Broader Applications
This discovery not only opens new doors for liver cancer treatment but also for other liver-related conditions. Researchers are now investigating whether the same approach could be applied to chronic liver disease and obesity. They also plan to explore how manipulating the gut microbiome may influence bile acid levels and, consequently, immune responses.
“We are at the forefront of discovering how the liver’s unique environment influences immune responses to cancer, and we’re eager to explore further,” said Siva Karthik Varanasi, a former postdoctoral researcher at Salk who contributed to the study.
Disclaimer
This study is in the early stages of research, and while the findings are promising, further clinical trials and testing are needed to fully establish the efficacy and safety of UDCA supplementation for liver cancer treatment. Patients should always consult their healthcare providers before considering any changes to their treatment plans.
Reference: “Bile acid synthesis impedes tumor-specific T cell responses during liver cancer,” Science, 9 January 2025. DOI: 10.1126/science.adl4100.
