Study Offers New Hope for Treating ‘Invisible’ Tumours

New research unlocks clues that can help treat lung cancer, an 'invisible' cancer Shutterstock

Groundbreaking research published in Nature Immunology offers new hope for patients with small cell lung cancer (SCLC), one of the most aggressive and deadly forms of lung cancer.

Australian scientists have discovered how to make “cold tumours” visible to the immune system, paving the way for treatments that would prevent the cancer from spreading and improve survival rates.

The study, a collaboration between Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Monash Health, Cancer Care Manitoba, and Peninsula Oncology, highlights the crucial role of the immune system in detecting tumours and preventing their migration.

“The innate immune system is often associated with the body’s response to infection. We show that it is also critical for the body to be able to ’see' a tumour as it develops,” said Associate Professor Dan Gough from the Hudson Institute of Medical Research in Victoria.

“Without this immune visibility, tumours rapidly spread.”

Cracking the Code of ‘Cold Tumours’

Lead researcher Aleks Guanizo explained that the study identified a key process needed for the immune system to detect tumours.

“We identified [that] the protein STAT3 is essential to maintain the expression of an anti-viral sensing protein called STING,” she said.

“If this is lost, then tumours become invisible to the host, allowing for metastasis, which is ultimately lethal.”

The research also highlighted natural killer cells and interferons as crucial immune defenders against small cell lung cancer.

Natural killer cells are a type of white blood cell that normally identifies and destroys diseased cells. The research found another function: these cells help prevent the spread of SCLC tumours.

Interferons are proteins normally produced when a cell detects pathogens—such as bacteria, viruses, or tumour cells—which in turn signals to other immune cells to launch an immune response.

However, in “cold tumours,” these signals are dampened, allowing the cancer to evade detection. This study successfully re-activated interferons, restoring the immune system’s ability to detect the tumour cells, improving treatment options.

“This shows the power of a coordinated response engaging both the innate and adaptive immune systems. Importantly, we identify a possible treatment to turn cold tumours hot which will improve patient outcomes,” said Associate Professor Gough.

New Hope for Small Cell Lung Cancer

Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, and small cell lung cancer makes up 15 percent of all cases. Known for its resistance to current treatments, SCLC has long posed a challenge for researchers and oncologists.

This new study offers a glimmer of hope, suggesting that engaging the body’s natural defences could lead to better therapies for SCLC.

By making cold tumours visible to the immune system, the scientists may have unlocked a new frontier in cancer treatment.