Breakthrough Study Suggests Immunotherapy Could Prevent Breast Cancer in BRCA Gene Carriers

Researchers at the University of Cambridge discover 'exhausted' immune cells in healthy women with BRCA gene mutations, offering a potential non-surgical preventative treatment.

• University of Cambridge researchers identify malfunctioning immune cells in healthy carriers of BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations, suggesting early intervention to prevent breast cancer.
• Existing immunotherapy drugs, previously used for late-stage cancer treatment, could be repurposed to reactivate these 'exhausted' immune cells, potentially avoiding the need for risk-reduction surgery.
• The world's largest catalogue of human breast cells was created, revealing early cell changes in carriers of BRCA gene mutations, paving the way for targeted preventative therapies.
• Cancer Research UK awards a 'Biology to Prevention Award' to trial the preventative approach in mice, with successful outcomes potentially leading to pilot clinical trials in humans.
• The study highlights the importance of understanding breast cancer development for early intervention, with implications for improving treatments and reducing the need for invasive surgeries.

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