Scientists Develop Breakthrough Cancer Treatment Using Modified Mast Cells

Scientists Develop Breakthrough Cancer Treatment Using Modified Mast Cells

Scientists in China have unveiled a groundbreaking cancer treatment approach that harnesses mast cells—immune cells traditionally associated with allergic reactions—to enhance the body’s ability to fight tumours.

The research, conducted by experts from Zhejiang University and the First Hospital of China Medical University, was reported by China Daily, a media partner of TV BRICS.

According to the scientists, the new strategy works by inducing controlled allergy-like inflammation inside tumours, effectively disrupting their ability to suppress the immune system. Rather than reacting to allergens, the mast cells are genetically modified with specialised antibodies designed to recognise and bind to cancer cell proteins.

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Once introduced into the body, these engineered mast cells migrate directly to tumours. On contact, they trigger localised inflammation, creating an allergic-like response that “heats up” the tumour environment. This process makes previously “invisible” cancer cells detectable and vulnerable to immune cells that were earlier unable to identify them.

The researchers also discovered that mast cells can act as safe carriers for oncolytic viruses—viruses that selectively destroy cancer cells. By hiding inside mast cells, the viruses evade detection by the immune system while circulating in the bloodstream and are only released when they reach and become activated within the tumour.

Experts say the innovation opens the door to personalised cancer therapy, allowing treatments to be rapidly tailored to a patient’s unique tumour markers. Beyond viruses, the mast cell-based platform could potentially deliver anti-cancer drugs, therapeutic proteins, or nanomedicines directly into tumours.

The research team plans to accelerate development of the technique for clinical application, focusing on personalisation algorithms and exploring combinations with existing immunotherapies to improve treatment outcomes.

Scientists Develop Breakthrough Cancer Treatment Using Modified Mast Cells