Promising Discovery in Cancer Treatment by Northwestern Medicine’s Canning Thoracic Institute Investigators
A landmark study spearheaded by researchers at the Northwestern Medicine Canning Thoracic Institute has unveiled an intriguing link between COVID-19 infections and the regression of certain cancers. This groundbreaking research, which has been published in the esteemed journal The Journal of Clinical Investigation, could significantly shift the paradigm of cancer treatment options.
The investigation was conducted within the lab of Ankit Bharat, MD, who is renowned for his role as chief of Thoracic Surgery, the Harold L. and Margaret N. Method Professor of Surgery, and director of the Canning Thoracic Institute.
In a surprising turn of events, the scientists discovered that RNA from the SARS-CoV-2 virus, known to cause COVID-19, initiates the production of a specialized type of immune cell with notable anti-cancer properties. These cells, identified as “inducible nonclassical monocytes (I-NCMs),” exhibit the capability to identify and attack malignant cancer cells, thereby presenting a potential new avenue for treating cancers that resist existing therapies. This pivotal finding may elucidate the mechanisms behind certain observed reductions in cancer severity following COVID-19 infections.
“This discovery opens up a new avenue for cancer treatment,” emphasized Ankit Bharat, MD, who is not only chief of Thoracic Surgery but also the senior author of this pivotal study. “We found that the same cells activated by severe COVID-19 could be induced with a drug to fight cancer, and we specifically saw a response with melanoma, lung, breast, and colon cancer in the study. While this is still in the early stages and the effectiveness was only studied in preclinical animal models, it offers hope that we might be able to use this approach to benefit patients with advanced cancers that have not responded to other treatments.”
This groundbreaking research utilized both human tissues and animal models to demonstrate that these remarkable immune cells can be pharmacologically activated using small molecules, thereby opening the door for a potential new therapeutic strategy for cancer patients. Such a discovery carries substantial implications, especially for patients dealing with aggressive or advanced cancers, who often find traditional treatment options like immunotherapy insufficient.
Harnessing the Body’s Response to COVID-19 in Cancer Therapy
The investigators made a vital discovery revealing that a specific subset of immune cells can be triggered in the body during COVID-19 infections. This activation begins when the RNA from the virus engages certain biological signals in the immune system. The communication signals lead to the conversion of common monocytes—a regular type of white blood cell—into functional I-NCMs capable of infiltrating both blood vessels and the tumor microenvironment, a task most immune cells cannot achieve.
“What makes these cells so special is their dual capability,” Bharat explained. “Typically, immune cells called non-classical monocytes patrol blood vessels, searching for potential threats. However, they are unable to penetrate the tumor site itself due to an absence of specific receptors. In contrast, the I-NCMs generated during severe COVID-19 preserve a unique receptor known as CCR2, enabling them to migrate beyond blood vessels and invade the tumor surroundings. Once infiltrated, they secrete specific chemicals designed to recruit the body’s natural killer cells. These specialized killer cells then converge upon the tumor site and launch a direct assault on the cancer cells, facilitating tumor reduction.”
Avenues for Future Research
Despite the promising nature of this research, Bharat underscores that further investigations are crucial before these findings can be safely translated into clinical applications.
“We are in the early stages, but the potential to transform cancer treatment is there. Our next steps will involve clinical trials to see if we can safely and effectively use these findings to help cancer patients,” Bharat remarked.
With continued research, the team aims to develop targeted therapies that specifically activate these immune cells to address currently unmanageable cancers. This progression could yield new treatment alternatives for patients who have run out of viable options.
The implications of this research may play a significant role within the context of the Canning Thoracic Institute, especially concerning its innovative Double Lung Replacement and Multidisciplinary Care (DREAM) Program. This pioneering clinical initiative at Northwestern Medicine specializes in providing double-lung transplants for select patients suffering from advanced lung cancers unresponsive to conventional therapies. Thus far, more than 40 patients have successfully undergone double-lung transplants through the DREAM Program.
“While the program has been highly successful, we do anticipate that some patients might have recurrence. Since we’re using monocytes with our research, we could potentially treat DREAM patients without risking rejection of their new lungs,” Bharat added.
The research received substantial funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Canning Thoracic Institute, and was conducted by a dedicated team of scientists from Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, alongside clinicians at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. For additional insights into Northwestern Medicine, visit nm.org.
How might the findings of this study impact future clinical trials for cancer therapies?
**Interview with Dr. Ankit Bharat: New Frontiers in Cancer Treatment Post-COVID-19**
**Editor:** Today, we have the privilege of speaking with Dr. Ankit Bharat, the chief of Thoracic Surgery and director of the Canning Thoracic Institute at Northwestern Medicine. Dr. Bharat recently led a groundbreaking study that uncovers a surprising connection between COVID-19 infections and potential cancer treatment. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Bharat.
**Dr. Bharat:** Thank you for having me!
**Editor:** Your study suggests that COVID-19 infections might lead to the regression of certain cancers through the activation of specialized immune cells. Can you summarize how this discovery came about?
**Dr. Bharat:** Absolutely. During our research, we found that RNA from the SARS-CoV-2 virus can trigger the production of a specific type of immune cell called inducible nonclassical monocytes (I-NCMs). These cells have unique anti-cancer properties that allow them to infiltrate tumors and attack malignant cells directly.
**Editor:** That’s fascinating. What makes these I-NCMs so effective compared to other immune cells?
**Dr. Bharat:** The key lies in their unique receptor, CCR2, which enables them to not only patrol blood vessels but also penetrate into the tumor microenvironment, something most conventional immune cells cannot do. Once inside, they can recruit natural killer cells that launch a direct attack on the cancer cells.
**Editor:** You mentioned testing this in preclinical animal models. How promising were the results?
**Dr. Bharat:** While it’s still early and needs further validation, we observed encouraging responses in various cancers, including melanoma, lung, breast, and colon cancer. It opens up the possibility of using a drug to pharmacologically activate these immune cells for treating cancers that are traditionally resistant to existing therapies.
**Editor:** What are the next steps for your research team?
**Dr. Bharat:** Our next move is to conduct clinical trials to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of this approach in cancer patients. The potential is substantial, but rigorous testing is essential before we can translate these findings into clinical applications.
**Editor:** Given the serious nature of advanced cancers, this discovery must represent a significant hope for many.
**Dr. Bharat:** Absolutely, especially for patients who have exhausted other treatment options. While it’s early days, we are optimistic about the implications of our work and the possibility of transforming cancer treatment.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Bharat. This is indeed a very promising avenue for future cancer therapies, and we look forward to seeing how your research develops.
**Dr. Bharat:** Thank you. I’m excited to share more in the future as we move forward with this research.
