Skin cells help fight cancer in children

Genetically modified skin can be used to treat a type of cancer in children, according to a British study. Scientists at the University of London say they were able to stimulate the mouse's immune system by injecting their skin cells into neuroblastoma.

This type of tumor accounts for 15% of deaths in children with cancer. This usually occurs in children under 5 years old. But the authors wrote in the British Cancer Journal saying that clinical trials in humans for at least 5 years can be done.

One in every 500 children has some form of cancer (Photo: BBC)

When skin cells are genetically modified, they become ' small plants ' that create a protein that is good for the immune system, according to leading researcher Stephen Hart. When injected into the tumor, these cells seem to help mice fight cancer - with mice treated for 90 days or longer than untreated mice.

Past research has shown that genetically engineered tumor cells may be able to resist the very tumors that they have derived, 'but the patient's own use of skin cells is much easier. ' Dr. Hart wrote.

Neuroblastoma is a special type of nerve cell cancer, called neural cells. These cells are involved in the development of the nervous system and other tissues. The prognosis of this disease in children diagnosed in the first 12-18 months of life is good, but if this disease occurs later it is very difficult to cure.

Dr. Bruce Morland, head of the Lymphatic and Childhood Cancer Organization, said: 'We are happy that scientists have found a way to exploit the ability of immune therapy to treat this cancer in children. I '

Q.HONG