USC Researchers Use Ultrasound to Prime Solid Tumors for CAR-T Attack, Shrinking Them in Animals
Updated
Updated · Newsweek · Aug 18
USC Researchers Use Ultrasound to Prime Solid Tumors for CAR-T Attack, Shrinking Them in Animals
2 articles · Updated · Newsweek · Aug 18
Summary
SHIFTERS made solid tumors briefly display the CD19 marker, letting CAR-T cells recognize and attack cancers that have largely resisted the therapy.
USC researchers paired 2 signals—tumor low oxygen and doctor-directed focused ultrasound—so only tissue where both were present switched on the temporary target.
Animal and tumor-model tests showed dramatically smaller tumors, and only 10% to 25% of tumor cells needed to express the marker for a broader immune attack.
The marker lasted about 1 week, but the approach remains experimental; researchers still need a practical way to deliver the genetic program into tumors.
Lipid nanoparticles and modified viruses are being explored before larger animal studies and eventual human trials, underscoring that clinical use is still years away.