A breakthrough in targeted cell therapy by Edity Therapeutics(Rehovot,Israel;www.edity-tx.com) makes it possible to reprogram a patient’s own immune cells, giving them the ability to hunt down and destroy these cancer cells. The concept of reprogramming a patient’s own cells to fight cancer has demonstrated success in individuals with blood cancer.

Edity is poised to take the next leap, aiming to utilize these retrained immune cells, to target solid tumors that create treatment challenges.Patients can provide a blood sample from which specialized white blood cells known as T cells are extracted. These cells are then engineered in a laboratory setting to carry the necessary medication for treatment.

After a brief incubation period,the engineered cells are reintroduced into the patient’s body. Loaded with medication, the immune cells navigate directly to the patient’s damaged cells and start repairing the diseased tissues.

Image:The first ever device to monitor transplanted organs detects early signs of rejection(Photo courtesy of Northwestern University)