Solving cancer immunotherapy's fuel shortage with a protected sugar source
Medical Xpress
February 24, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Researchers at UCLA have discovered a groundbreaking method to enhance immune cells' effectiveness in cancer immunotherapy by providing them with a specialized fuel source that tumors cannot exploit. This innovative approach addresses a significant challenge faced by CAR-T and other immunotherapies: the "energy starvation" of immune cells by aggressive cancer cells, particularly in solid tumors like lung, breast, and colorectal cancers.
Current immunotherapies, such as CAR-T cell therapy, often struggle to combat solid tumors because cancer cells deprive immune cells of the energy they need to function effectively. This limitation has hindered their success in treating some of the most common and deadly cancers. The UCLA researchers' solution involves a modified glucose derivative that serves as an exclusive fuel source for immune cells while preventing tumors from accessing it. This strategy ensures that immune cells receive the energy boost they need to survive and attack cancer cells more effectively.
The study, published in the journal *Cell*, highlights how this new approach supercharges immune cells, enabling them to outmaneuver tumors and improve their ability to target and destroy solid tumors. In preclinical trials, this method demonstrated a significant increase in immune cell survival and tumor-fighting capabilities. By bypassing the energy theft mechanism employed by cancer cells, this innovation could revolutionize the treatment of cancers that have been particularly resistant to immunotherapy.
This breakthrough holds immense potential for improving outcomes in patients with solid tumors, where immunotherapies have historically faced limitations. If successful, it could lead to more effective treatments for some of the most challenging cancers, offering new hope to patients and their families. The research underscores the importance of understanding cancer's biological strategies and developing targeted solutions to overcome them.
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Originally published on Medical Xpress on 2/24/2026