Nigerian scientist breaks ground with novel cancer immunotherapy research

DDM News

A Nigerian scientist, Marvellous Oladeji, is making major breakthroughs in cancer research through innovative immunotherapy development.

His research focuses on creating synthetic molecules designed to strengthen the body’s natural immune response against cancerous cells, Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) reports.

These molecules, called cyclic dinucleotide STING agonists, activate a key immune pathway known as the stimulator of interferon genes.

This pathway plays a crucial role in initiating the body’s innate immunity, which defends against infections and diseases like cancer.

“By harnessing innate immunity, this approach could potentially overcome resistance seen in many patients undergoing conventional cancer therapies,” Oladeji said.

These global efforts focus on next-generation cancer treatments that engage the immune system in more powerful, targeted, and lasting ways.

Oladeji’s work addresses the significant challenge of current treatments failing to work on solid tumours or immune-compromised patients.

“By stimulating early immune recognition, the STING-based therapy could improve outcomes where current methods fall short,” he explained further.

His laboratory has successfully developed new CDN analogs with improved chemical stability and stronger immune-activating properties.

These compounds boost the production of interferons, which are vital proteins in the body’s defense against cancer and viruses.

They also promote infiltration of immune cells into tumour sites, a process essential for effective and sustained cancer control.

This dual action, interferon production and immune cell infiltration, may help the body destroy tumours that resist standard treatments.

Immunotherapy is increasingly seen as a promising alternative to chemotherapy and radiation, especially for patients with difficult-to-treat cancers.

However, challenges remain, especially among patients whose immune systems are less active or responsive to standard immunotherapy options.

Oladeji’s research uniquely targets the innate immune system, unlike many therapies focused on adaptive immunity, which responds more slowly.

His findings suggest that activating innate immunity could provide a faster, broader, and more effective defense against early-stage tumours.

STING agonists are gaining attention worldwide, with researchers viewing them as key to unlocking stronger anti-cancer immune responses.

Several biotech firms and universities globally are also exploring similar compounds to enhance cancer treatment outcomes through immunity.

Oladeji’s results stand out for their potential to improve survival among patients with low immune activity and advanced tumours.

This breakthrough highlights not only scientific innovation but also the rising contributions of African scientists to global health research.

The work serves as an example of how local talent can produce solutions with worldwide impact on disease treatment and prevention.

If successful in clinical trials, Oladeji’s STING agonists could become part of standard cancer care across hospitals and treatment centers.

They may offer hope to patients with cancers that have not responded to existing chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation therapies.

Oladeji’s continued research brings us closer to more inclusive, effective, and immune-based solutions in the fight against cancer.

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