Timing Is Critical for an Effective Anti-Metastatic Immunotherapy: The Decisive Role of IFNγ/STAT1-Mediated Activation of Autophagy
2011

Timing is Critical for Effective Anti-Metastatic Immunotherapy

Sample size: 15 publication 10 minutes Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Yan Jun, Wang Zi-Yan, Yang Hong-Zhen, Liu Han-Zhi, Mi Su, Lv Xiao-Xi, Fu Xiao-Ming, Yan Hui-Min, Zhang Xiao-Wei, Zhan Qi-Min, Hu Zhuo-Wei

Primary Institution: Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China

Hypothesis

The timing of immunotherapy administration affects its efficacy against metastasis.

Conclusion

Prophylactic administration of the TLR4/9 agonist complex enhances anti-metastatic immunity, while therapeutic administration does not.

Supporting Evidence

  • Prophylactic treatment increased survival rates and reduced metastatic nodules compared to therapeutic treatment.
  • IFNγ neutralization reversed the benefits of prophylactic treatment.
  • Activation of autophagy was critical for the anti-metastatic effects observed.

Takeaway

Giving cancer treatment at the right time can help stop it from spreading, but waiting too long won't work.

Methodology

Mice were injected with melanoma cells and treated with TLR4/9 agonist complex either before or after tumor cell inoculation to assess the effects on metastasis.

Limitations

The study was conducted in a mouse model, which may not fully replicate human responses.

Participant Demographics

Female C57BL/6 mice, aged 5-6 weeks.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.001

Statistical Significance

p<0.001

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0024705

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