Study finds sequencing treatments improves outcomes in head and neck cancer model
New Study Finds “Perfect Timing” Could Supercharge Cancer Treatment ✨🧠
Researchers from UC San Diego looked at a model of oral head and neck cancer (in mice) and found that when treatments are given is really important — not just what treatments are used ScienceDaily.
What did they do?
First, they gave radiation in a way that protected the nearby lymph nodes (these help the immune system fight cancer).
Then, they gave immunotherapy, a treatment that boosts the body’s own defenses.
Most mice (15 out of 20) had total tumor disappearance — and it stayed gone for good! ScienceDailyMedical Xpress+1.
Why it matters 🧬
Tumor-draining lymph nodes are key hubs for immune cells.
When these lymph nodes are kept healthy, special immune cells (CCR7+ dendritic cells) can move correctly and boost a strong attack against cancer. Medical Xpress+1
What could this mean for people?
The timing and order of treatments may matter a lot.
Doing radiation first—sparing those lymph nodes—then immunotherapy might work much better than giving them in the wrong order.
Clinical trials are now underway to see if this could work safely in people with head and neck cancer. Read more at this LINK.
