STANFORD, CALIFORNIA — Stanford University researchers used immune stimulators to target cancerous tumors, and it worked surprisingly well.<br /><br />T-cells that defend against cancer often end up overpowered by the disease, but scientists find they can be rejuvenated using CpG oligonucleotides and anti-OX40 antibodies, according to the Stanford University School of Medicine.<br /><br />When a microgram of the the immune-stimulating agents were injected directly into mouse tumors, the growths disappeared in about 10 days.<br /><br />CpG activates dendritic cells that help against tumor counterattacks, while anti-OX40 antibodies stimulate T-cells into attacking the cancer.<br /><br />Once a tumor is destroyed, the cells move through the body to find and eliminate other similar growths.<br /><br />The experiment eradicated lymphoma in 87 out of 90 mice, and also worked on breast, colon, and melanoma cancers.<br /><br />The team is looking to start clinical trials to see if the treatment will be as successful in humans.
