The SPORE Program Receives Grant for Lymphoma Research

The researchers believe that developing an effective anti-tumor immune response can be more feasible by modifying the tumor microenvironment to increase release, uptake, and presentation of the tumor cells to T cells (white blood cells that destroy pathogens). This project focuses on two methods of changing the tumor microenvironment. The first method involves intratumoral injection of dendritic cells (cells that catch the attention of the T cells) into a cryoablated tumor (the liquid is cooled and then inserted into the tumor). The second method involves injection of a tumor with a virus-like particle that stimulates the immune system to target the tumors more aggressively. Ideally, one or both of these methods would boost the anti-lymphoma response of the immune system.