Scientists find gamma delta T cells that attack small cell lung cancer

WEHI researchers identified gamma delta T cells that can detect and destroy small cell lung cancer, which typically evades conventional immune cells. Patients with more of these cells had better outcomes. In lab-grown mini tumors, tarlatamab and zoledronate boosted the cells' ability to kill cancer.

• Fewer than 7% of small cell lung cancer patients survive five years after diagnosis
• Gamma delta T cells attack tumors that escape conventional immune cells
• Zoledronate raised cell numbers; tarlatamab brought cells and tumors together
• The drug combination boosted cancer cell killing in lab mini tumors