An interdisciplinary research team at UCLA (Los Angeles,CA,USA;www.ucla.edu) has reported encouraging results in laboratory studies testing a tiny implantable device they call a SymphNode,which is designed to keep regulatory T cells in check only in the area around a tumor while summoning and strengthening tumor-fighting cells.

SymphNode is a tiny biodegradable sponge about the size of a pencil eraser that is made from alginate,the same jiggly polymer used to thicken pudding.

When surgically implanted directly next to a tumor,the sponge stimulates the body’s immune response against cancer in multiple ways.The device was shown to drive tumors into remission,eliminate metastasis,prevent the growth of new tumors and result in longer survival in mice.