In their fight against cancerpatients often suffer from serious side effects. Now, German researchers have found a way to make the treatment much more tolerated. A diagnosis of cancer is no longer equivalent to a “death sentence”. Thanks to modern medicine, many forms of cancer can be treated successfully – of course, the earlier the disease is found, the better the chances of survival.

However, the treatment of cancer itself can be very painful. Often, the whole body suffers from her, and in some cases patients are even forced to discontinue treatment due to serious side effects.

A study, published in February in the journal Cancer Cell, now brings new hopes. Researchers from the University Hospital of Freiburg have found that UV radiation to immune cells can significantly improve patients’ tolerance in immunotherapy. Side effects are significantly reduced without affecting the body’s anti -cancer defense.

What was the result of UV radiation treatment?

The study was attended by 14 patients from the University Hospitals of the German Pleasics Freiburg, Essen and Regensburg, who had been diagnosed with various forms of cancer, such as melanoma, lung cancer and thyroid cancer.

During their immunotherapy, patients developed colitis (inflammatory bowel disease), hepatitis (inflammation of the liver) and dermatitis (inflammatory skin reactions) or a combination of these diseases. After treatment with UV-radiation, all patients with colitis were completely cured, while 92% of participants spoke of a significant reduction in symptoms.

Although the number of participants in the study was small, the high response to treatment and the almost complete absence of side effects were impressive, according to Robert Chaiser, from the Freiburg University Hospital.

However, before the method is applied to more patients, further studies are required. The next steps are already scheduled: Freiburg will be conducted a new clinical trial with more participants. And the team behind the research is optimistic about its prospects. “The treatment is likely to become safer, as the side effects will be able to be better controlled,” Chaiser said.

This method is already used in other medical areas: UV radiation has been effective in the treatment of transplant patients, suppressing acute and chronic rejection reactions.

Curated by: Chryssa Vachcevanou