Israeli researchers develop antibody treatment targeting aggressive breast cancer

Researchers at the Weizmann Institute of Science have developed an antibody treatment that targets "molecular bridges" formed by aggressive breast cancer cells. This treatment restores the immune system's ability to fight cancer, showing promise in mouse models. Previously, cancer treatments focused on destroying cancer cells directly. The new approach emphasizes the tumor's microenvironment, which plays a crucial role in cancer progression. The study found that high levels of a protein called CD84 in tumors suppress immune responses. The antibody treatment significantly slowed tumor growth in mice and may be applicable to various cancers, not just breast cancer. This marks a shift towards therapies that target the supportive environment of tumors rather than the cancer cells themselves.