Fierce Biotech: Making 'cold' tumors responsive to immunotherapy

UC research points to combination therapy involving the immune system for breast cancer

Some cancers create a hostile environment that allows them to evade immune attacks. That's why many patients with cancer don't respond to immuno-oncology treatments. Scientists are looking for ways to turn these so-called “cold” tumors into “hot” ones that are susceptible to immunotherapy.

A research study by scientists at the University of Cincinnati have discovered proteins that can be targeted to overcome resistance to cancer immunotherapy in animal models. 

Syn Kok Yeo, PhD, research instructor in the department of cancer biology at the UC College of Medicine and a member in the lab of Jun-Lin Guan, PhD, the Francis Brunning Professor and Cancer Biology Department Chair, describes his research. He is a member of the UC Cancer Center.

Read the full story.

Read the UC media release.

Featured photo of stress fibers and microtubules in human breast cancer cells. Courtesy of the National Cancer Institute. 

Next Lives Here

The University of Cincinnati is classified as a Research 1 institution by the Carnegie Commission and is ranked in the National Science Foundation's Top-35 public research universities. UC's graduate students and faculty investigate problems and innovate solutions with real-world impact. Next Lives Here.

Related Stories

2

Make Hoxworth Blood Center’s special holiday events part of your family celebrations this December

December 12, 2025

This December, Hoxworth Blood Center, University of Cincinnati, is inviting families across Greater Cincinnati to add something truly meaningful to their holiday traditions: giving the gift of life. With festive community events, beloved local partners and special thank-you gifts for donors, Hoxworth is making it easier, and more heartwarming than ever, to roll up your sleeves and help save lives close to home.

3

Ohio nurses weigh in on proposed federal loan rule

December 12, 2025

Spectrum News journalist Javari Burnett spoke with UC Dean Alicia Ribar and UC nursing students Megan Romero and Nevaeh Haskins about proposed new federal student loan rules. Romero and Haskins, both seniors, were filmed in the College of Nursing’s Simulation Lab.