City of Hope researchers find potential way to reduce radiation-related lung damage

City of Hope researchers in Duarte have identified an immune response that contributes to lung damage after radiation treatment, pointing to a possible way to protect healthy tissue.

The team, led by radiation oncologist Heather McGee, found that radiation can shift certain immune cells from a lung-protecting role toward one that promotes inflammation. A signaling protein called interferon-beta helped drive that change. Laboratory tests on human immune cells showed similar changes.

Radiation can treat lung cancer but also damage healthy tissue, sometimes causing lasting breathing problems. Researchers hope that targeting this immune pathway could eventually help reduce that side effect.

The study was published Oct. 20 in Nature Communications. More in City of Hope's report.

- Brad Haugaard