CUHK deciphers drug resistance in liver cancer and rolls out therapy

Researchers at CUHK Medical Centre have successfully deciphered the mechanism of drug resistance in liver cancer and has developed a novel combination therapy, which is expected to benefit 40 to 50% of liver cancer patients.

The research team found a type of macrophage in the human body that recycles fatty acids from apoptotic cells and converts them into nutrients for cancer cells, thereby enhancing the tumor's resistance to immune attacks.

Based on this discovery, the team confirmed in mouse experiments that combining immunotherapy with a TREM2 inhibitor significantly shrinks tumors with no serious side effects.

The team is now discussing clinical studies, which are expected to take two to three years.