Antibody treatment targets cancer cells

A new cancer treatment has been developed that could encourage the body's immune system to destroy damaged cells.

According to a study funded by Cancer Research UK, which was published in the journal Blood, cancer vaccinations could be created - both as preventative medicines and as treatments for the disease - following the breakthrough.

Scientists discovered that combining a molecule which causes the body to produce antibodies with a 'saboteur' molecule allowed for the creation of an antigen to target specifically selected cells in mice.

Dr Facundo Batista, a representative of the charity, explained that the technique allowed for the creation of antibodies that recognise the specific proteins in tumour cells while ignoring those in healthy cells.

He said: "This discovery reveals the potential in using the immune system to hunt down and destroy cancer cells. It gives us a route to make treatment as specific as possible."

Earlier this week, scientists from the University of Leicester announced the discovery of a new cancer treatment for prostate cancer using nanotechnology.

Antibody treatment targets cancer cells

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