Exciting news to share from our brain tumour research team on the final day of Brain Cancer Awareness Month!
Our immune systems are naturally built to fight off disease, but brain tumours are incredibly smart, they find ways to “turn off” our immune cells, stopping them from doing their job. We recently discovered some key “off-switches”: specific proteins that block immune cells from attacking brain tumours. To figure out how to flip these switches back on, we are collaborating with Monash Medical Centre. Right after surgery, while the tumour cells are still alive and active, they are brought straight to our lab with heartfelt thanks to our amazing medical partners and patients.
Glioblastoma remains one of the most challenging cancers to treat, with average survival still around 12 months. This year, our team discovered that a protein called TIM-3 may help brain tumours evade the immune system by effectively putting the brakes on the body’s natural defences. Researchers are now investigating ways to block TIM-3 and restore the immune system’s ability to recognise and attack cancer cells, bringing us closer to new approaches for one of medicine’s most difficult diseases.
What’s next, you ask? We are currently testing drugs to see which ones can block these harmful proteins. Our goal is to re-energise and reactivate the body’s own immune cells, turning them back into powerful tumour killers.
Read the full publication here.
Discoveries like this don’t just happen. They are powered by rigorous science, tireless dedication, and the generous backing of our community. As a community-funded institute, every step forward we take in brain cancer research depends entirely on your support. Thank you.
