A possible cancer immunotherapy approach - Inducing the formation of granulomas

Granulomas are formed when the immune system encounters an antigen it cannot destroy, and as a result, it attempts to isolate the antigen, leading to the formation of a granuloma. A granuloma consists of macrophages, immune cells and a extracellular matrix. T cells are the perpetuator of granuloma formation, secreting cytokines and expressing adhesion molecules.

Non-resectable tumours have always posed problems for cancer patients. Standard treatment of non-resectable tumours include radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Perhaps, it is possible if the immune system can be tweaked to form a granuloma around the tumour mass, isolating it from the rest of the body. More work into the cellular processes of granuloma formation will give us an idea of the physiological mechanisms behind it. A greater understanding behind the mechanisms will perhaps allow us to consider this part of our immune process a weapon in the fight against cancer.

Citations
Sacco RE, Jensen RJ, Thoen CO, Sandor M, Weinstock J, Lynch RG, Dailey MO. Cytokine secretion and adhesion molecule expression by granuloma T lymphocytes in Mycobacterium avium infection. Am J Pathol. 1996 Jun;148(6):1935-48.