After surgery to remove a tumor, some cancer cells may remain, grow back, or
The gel works by releasing two compounds.The first is the drug pexidartinib, which is already used to inhibit tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs). They contribute to the creation of a pro-cancer environment. Thus, inhibiting these macrophages slows the growth (or re-spread) of cancer. The second component consists of antibodies to PD-1, which help train T cells to recognize and attack cancer cells. For stability, they were associated with platelets.
Together, these two components preventthe formation of a microenvironment favorable for the development of cancer, and help the immune system get rid of any cancer cells left after surgery. Once completed, the gel biodegrades safely in the body.
Researchers tested the gel on micemodels of several different types of cancer, including colon cancer, melanoma, sarcoma and breast cancer. The gel reduced cancer relapses and metastases and increased survival.
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