For Immediate Release
June 8, 2005

Fever-Range Thermal Stress Study Presented at Era of Hope Meeting

BUFFALO, NY – Researchers from the Department of Immunology, Roswell Park Cancer Institute (RPCI), led by Sharon Evans, PhD, will present the results of a study titled, “Fever-Range Thermal Stress Promotes Expression of Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 in Tumor Vessels Via an Interleukin-6 Trans-signaling Mechanism,” at the Fourth Annual Era of Hope meeting for the Department of Defense Breast Cancer Research Program, June 8 – 11, Philadelphia, PA. 

This study builds on recent advances in breast cancer research suggesting that immunotherapy may be an effective anti-tumor strategy. Cells of the immune system are exquisitely specific in their ability to recognize and kill cancer cells while sparing normal cells that constitute the major organs of the body.  However, a frequently overlooked consideration is that immune cells, including a subset of killer white blood cells termed T lymphocytes, are often hampered in their ability to gain access to tumor targets. 

Preclinical studies conducted by Dr. Qing Chen suggest that the immunoprotective effects of the fever response can be harnessed to improve delivery of T lymphocytes to tumor tissues. This strategy takes advantage of the extensive network of blood vessels created by mammary tumors that provide a pipeline for nutrients and oxygen to support tumor growth.  These blood vessels also can serve as roadways for directing immune cells to select destinations.

New findings show that therapies based on the application of fever-range temperatures open the “tollgates” that facilitate the exit of immune cells from the vascular freeway into tumor tissues.  This study further unveiled a novel function for the immune-regulatory protein, interleukin-6, which underlies thermal enhancement of expression of vascular proteins such as intercellular adhesion molecule-1.  ICAM-1 is a velcro-like molecule that mediate sticking of lymphocytes to vessel walls prior to their exit into tissues. These observations support the notion that novel adjuvant strategies, such as thermal therapy, that promote trafficking of tumor-reactive killer T lymphocytes to tumor sites have the potential to improve the efficacy of immune-based cancer therapy.

The Era of Hope meeting provides a forum for scientists, physicians, breast cancer survivors and advocates, policymakers and the general public to learn about advances against breast cancer. The meeting highlights the multidisciplinary and innovative approaches funded by the Department of Defense (DOD) Breast Cancer Research Program in its effort to eradicate breast cancer.

Roswell Park Cancer Institute, founded in 1898, is the nation’s first cancer research, treatment and education center and is the only National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center in Upstate New York.  RPCI is a member of the prestigious National Comprehensive Cancer Network, an alliance of the nation’s leading cancer centers.  For more information, visit the RPCI website at www.roswellpark.org, call 1-877-ASK-RPCI (1-877-275-7724) or e-mail askrpci@roswellpark.org.
                                                                             -30-