New strategy enhances immune response against glioblastomas

Scientists at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center have made a significant discovery that could improve treatment for glioblastoma, a deadly type of brain tumor. They found that targeting a protein called ZNF638 can help trigger an immune response against these tumors. Glioblastomas are notorious for their difficult treatment due to their complex nature and the immune-suppressive environment in the brain. Current therapies have not shown major improvements in patient outcomes over the past two decades. This research suggests that by focusing on ZNF638, doctors can make a common cancer treatment, known as immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy, more effective against glioblastomas. The study reveals that lower levels of ZNF638 in tumor cells are linked to better responses to immunotherapy. The researchers used a method called viral mimicry, which tricks the immune system into reacting as if the tumor is caused by a viral infection, prompting a stronger immune response. This approach has been previously successful in treating other cancers but was not applied to brain tumors until now. Dr. Ashish Shah, a neurosurgeon, emphasized the challenge of treating brain tumors and highlighted the potential of this new method. The researchers conducted experiments that show targeting ZNF638 not only slowed tumor growth but also improved the infiltration of immune cells into the tumors, leading to better survival rates for patients. The findings suggest ZNF638 could be a valuable biomarker for personalizing treatment plans. Although immune checkpoint inhibitors are not yet approved for glioblastoma, this research paves the way for developing new treatments that could significantly improve patient outcomes. The goal now is to create drugs that can effectively target ZNF638 in brain tumors, marking a potential breakthrough in glioblastoma therapy.