A research team from Johns Hopkins has developed an advanced computer model called MANAscore that helps identify immune cells involved in fighting lung cancer. This model could help determine whether a patient will respond to immunotherapy. Not only that, but this technology could also pave the way for new biomarkers and more effective combination therapies!
What is MANAscore?
So, MANAscore is a computer model based on three genes, developed by scientists to detect immune cells actively fighting cancer. With this model, doctors can more easily determine who will benefit from immunotherapy and who might need a different approach.
Dr. Kellie Smith, one of the lead researchers, explained that by identifying the immune cells targeted by immunotherapy, scientists can study them further. Once they are better understood, it will be easier to find new biomarkers and develop better treatments.
Why Is This Important?
Immunotherapy, like PD-1 inhibitors, works by reactivating T cells, which are responsible for killing cancer cells. But unfortunately, not all patients respond to these therapies. That’s why scientists need a way to understand why some patients respond well while others do not.
This is where MANAscore comes in. The model can identify differences between patients who respond to treatment and those who don’t. One key finding is that patients who respond well tend to have more T cells with stem-like properties, which can multiply and turn into more cancer-killing cells.
Faster and Easier!
What makes MANAscore different from other models is its simplicity. While previous models needed over 200 genes to analyze immune cells, MANAscore only requires three. That means the process is faster, cheaper, and easier to use!
What’s Next?
The research team is now working to turn this model into a clinical test that doctors can use to guide treatment decisions. They also want to explore whether this model can be applied to other types of cancer.
“We want to make sure MANAscore can be widely used and help more patients,” said Zhen Zeng, one of the researchers on the project.
As this technology continues to develop, we may soon have even more effective ways to fight cancer. Hopefully, this innovation will be implemented in medical practice soon and help save more lives!