In recent years, doctors have turned to a new treatment for cancer, immunotherapy, which works by leveraging the body's immune system to fight tumours. The technique has largely focused on white blood cells called T-cells, which are "trained" to recognise and attack cancer cells. Three papers published on Thursday in the journal Nature point the way, identifying a key formation inside some tumours: tertiary lymphoid structures (TLS). It may be that the B-cells are on the frontlines, producing antibodies that attack cancer cells efficiently. And not all TLS are created equal: the researchers found three categories, but only one type was "mature" enough to churn out cancer-fighting immune cells.

Source: Daily Nation January 16, 2020 07:41 UTC