Immunotherapy side effects

Understanding how immune system cells contribute to the side effects of cancer treatment

David Bending is a Professor of Immune Regulation in the Department of Immunology and Immunotherapy at the University of Birmingham.

Immune checkpoint therapy has revolutionised cancer treatment, but it can also damage healthy tissues, causing serious – and sometimes even life-threatening – side effects. The standard treatment for these side effects is steroids, which are often unpleasant for patients and can reduce the ability of the immune system to fight cancer.

Recent work from Professor David Bending and his team has identified a type of immune system cell called a T peripheral helper cell which may be involved in causing these side effects, by activating a chemical messenger known as NFAT. They will now test whether preventing NFAT chemical messages can reduce the side effects of immune checkpoint therapy, paving the way for more personalised cancer treatment.