The immune system is capable of recognizing and attacking cancer, much like it does with infections. However, tumors can produce substances that make them invisible to immune cells. Interleukin IL-12 is a molecule that stimulates the immune system to identify and respond to cancer cells.
In this study, a production system for IL-12 was introduced directly into the tumor, triggering an immune cell response and temporarily reducing the aggressiveness of the tumor. The IL-12 treatment was then combined with low-dose (metronomic) chemotherapy, which resulted in a significant slowing of tumor growth and an improvement in the quality of life for the treated dogs.
These promising and safe results provide strong motivation to continue exploring a combination of IL-12, metronomic chemotherapy, and a cancer vaccine and/or therapy aimed at reducing existing tumor mass. The smaller the tumor burden, the more effective immune-stimulating treatments tend to be.