Scientists at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai have developed an innovative immunotherapy that targets metastatic cancer by focusing on tumor-associated macrophages—immune cells that normally protect cancer cells—rather than attacking the cancer cells directly. Using engineered CAR T cells designed to recognize and eliminate these macrophages, the therapy disrupts the tumor’s protective environment, transforming it from immune-suppressed to immune-active. In preclinical models of metastatic lung and ovarian cancer, this approach significantly extended survival and even cured many treated animals by reprogramming the tumor microenvironment to support immune attack.

This strategy is notable for being antigen-independent, meaning it does not rely on identifying specific cancer markers, which makes it potentially applicable across various solid tumors resistant to current immunotherapies. The researchers also engineered the CAR T cells to release interleukin-12, enhancing immune activation within tumors. While human trials are still needed to confirm safety and efficacy, this proof-of-concept study opens a promising new avenue for treating advanced cancers by turning the tumor’s own protective cells into allies against the disease.