Scientists are investigating whether autoantibodies, immune proteins that mistakenly target the body’s own molecules, could help explain why some people develop cancer while others with known risk factors do not. Researchers believe certain autoantibodies may either protect against cancer or influence tumour growth and how patients respond to immunotherapies such as checkpoint inhibitors and CAR T-cell treatments. A major research initiative will study autoantibodies in people with different cancer risks, including smokers who remain cancer-free, older adults, twins and patients receiving immunotherapy. Understanding these immune proteins could eventually improve cancer risk assessment, prevention strategies and personalised treatment.
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