Researchers at the Weizmann Institute of Science are blazing the trail in cancer treatment through a previously unused immune system weapon: naturally produced antibodies.
Follow Israel Hayom on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
A new study published this week in Cell scientific journal said that while immunotherapies for cancer rely on the patient's immune system, they still "fall short of tapping into the entire arsenal of the body's natural defenses."
Professors Ziv Shulman and Irit Sagi, the scientists behind the study, discovered naturally-produced antibodies which target an enzyme known as MMP14 (MT1-MMP) in tumors. While outside of a tumor, the enzyme normally assists the body with repairing tissue, when found in a cancerous environment, MMP14 helps the malignancy spread.
"We've now shown that the immune systems of cancer patients can produce antibodies against tumors," Shulman said.
The team expressed hope that their discovery will lead to new developments in the field and lay the groundwork for a new immunotherapy-driven approach to fighting cancer with antibodies.
Sagi said, "These natural antibodies appear to have unrealized therapeutic potential. More research is needed in order apply them in future therapies or as diagnostic reagents."
Cancer is the leading cause of death in Israel, according to the Health Ministry. In 2012, the condition accounted for over a fourth of all deaths recorded in the country.
i24NEWS contributed to this report.
Subscribe to Israel Hayom's daily newsletter and never miss our top stories!
