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Researchers at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai have made a groundbreaking discovery that could revolutionize treatment options for patients with recurrent endometrial cancer. Their study, recently published in the Journal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer, has identified specific blood proteins (biomarkers) that may predict how well a patient will respond to a combination of two cancer drugs, cabozantinib and nivolumab.
Endometrial cancer, which affects the lining of the uterus, is the most common gynecologic cancer in the United States, with more than 66,000 new cases diagnosed each year. The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2025, there will be approximately 69,120 new cases and 13,860 deaths due to this disease. While immunotherapy is a critical treatment option, its effectiveness varies from patient to patient, and recurrence remains a significant challenge. This study is the first to explore blood biomarkers that could help doctors tailor treatments to improve patient outcomes.
The research team discovered that proteins in the blood behaved differently depending on whether patients received nivolumab alone or in combination with cabozantinib. Those with lower levels of certain macrophage-associated proteins before treatment showed a better response to the drug combination. Furthermore, some patients exhibited immune activation markers that enhanced their ability to combat cancer, leading to extended survival rates.
Additionally, higher levels of proteins related to neutrophils were linked to increased treatment side effects. Importantly, the study found that the combination therapy was effective in some patients who had previously stopped responding to other treatments, highlighting its potential as a viable option for those with limited alternatives.
If these findings are confirmed in future research, a simple blood test could help doctors determine which patients would benefit most from this treatment. This could prevent unnecessary treatments and allow for more precise, personalized medical care, ultimately improving patient outcomes.
“Our research provides new insights into how the immune system interacts with cancer treatment,” said lead researcher Sacha Gnjatic, Ph.D., Professor of Immunology and Immunotherapy at the Tisch Cancer Institute of the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. “By identifying specific biomarkers in the blood, we can better predict which patients will benefit from combination therapy, paving the way for more effective and personalized treatment strategies.”
As the field of cancer immunotherapy advances, this discovery represents a promising step toward improving survival rates while minimizing side effects. Continued research and clinical trials will be essential to validating these findings and bringing them into routine clinical practice.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Patients should consult their healthcare providers for guidance on cancer treatment options.
