Author Interviews, Cancer Research, Lymphoma, Nutrition, University of Pennsylvania / 24.12.2024
UPenn Study Finds Evidence Immunotherapy Can Be Influenced by Diet
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
Shan Liu, PhD, Postdoctoral fellow
Perelman School of Medicine
University of Pennsylvania
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?
Response: Our study provides evidence that the efficacy of CAR T cell immunotherapies can be influenced by an important lifestyle factor: diet.
MedicalResearch.com: What are the main findings?
Response: Our study found that a ketogenic diet can enhance CAR T cell function through its metabolite, β-Hydroxybutyrate (BHB). Importantly, instead of altering the diet, providing BHB via oral supplementation in our preclinical model is sufficient to improve the anti-tumor function of CAR T cells. However, it's important to note that we’re still in the early stages, and we’re not yet recommending any dietary changes or supplements for patients. (more…)