Bladder Cancer and Immunotherapy
Bladder cancer (BC) is a common type of cancer in the urinary system. It is often difficult to treat effectively. Immunotherapy, which uses the body’s immune system, has shown promise in early clinical trials. A specific type of immune cell called mucosal associated invariant T (MAIT) cells, which is involved in various diseases including cancer, has not been studied in BC patients before. This study aimed to understand the quantity, function, and anti-tumor effects of MAIT cells in BC patients.
How the Study Was Conducted
- 75 newly diagnosed BC patients and 183 healthy volunteers were included in the study.
- Blood samples were collected to analyze the quantity and function of MAIT cells.
- BC tissues from surgical resections were analyzed, and the clinical features of BC tumors were collected to explore their relationship with MAIT cells.
Study Findings
MAIT cells were found in both healthy individuals and BC patients. The proportion of MAIT cells in the blood of BC patients was similar to that of healthy controls. However, the study showed a link between the proportion of IFN-γ producing MAIT cells and the number and invasion of tumors in BC patients. Additionally, MAIT cells showed the ability to kill BC cells in laboratory and animal studies.
Conclusion
This study highlights the potential role of MAIT cells in BC treatment. Although the quantity of MAIT cells did not differ significantly in BC patients, their functional characteristics and their association with tumor features suggest that they could be a target for immunotherapy in BC treatment.
