US News & World Report: Immunotherapy and cancer, COVID-19
UC research presented at virtual American Association for Cancer Research meeting
Immunotherapy for cancer patients with COVID-19 appears safe, a preliminary study suggests.
This form of treatment activates a person's immune system to fight against cancer.
Researchers have been wary because many COVID-19 complications result from an overactive immune response that leads to increased production of proteins called cytokines, which can cause issues such as respiratory failure.
"In patients with both COVID-19 and cancer, our team thought that immunotherapy might increase the immune system response, which could already be overactive because of the COVID-19 infection," researcher and UC postdoctoral fellow Layne Weatherford said.
Weatherford works in the lab of Trisha Wise-Draper, PhD, an associate professor of medicine, Division of Hematology Oncology, at the UC College of Medicine, UC Health oncologist and medical director of the UC Cancer Center Clinical Trials Office.
Read the full story, which was originially reported by HealthDay News and also featured on the WebMD website, Everyday Health and at Drugs.com.
Read the UC news release on this research.
Featured photo of test tubes by Colleen Kelley/UC Creative + Brand.
Impact Lives Here
The University of Cincinnati is leading public urban universities into a new era of innovation and impact. Our faculty, staff and students are saving lives, changing outcomes and bending the future in our city's direction. Next Lives Here.
Stay up on all UC's COVID-19 stories, read more #UCtheGood content, or take a UC virtual visit and begin picturing yourself at an institution that inspires incredible stories.
Related Stories
UC College of Nursing Professor honored with AANA education excellence award
December 23, 2025
Susan Newell, assistant professor in the UC College of Nursing, is being recognized by the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA) as one of three top educational administrators and instructors. She will receive the Clinical Instructor of the Year Award during AANA's top educator event 2026 EDGE Conference, February 4-7 in Louisville, Kentucky.
Supporters give generously to the Bearcats Pantry and Resource Center
December 22, 2025
Supporters gave generously to the Bearcats Pantry and Resource at the University of Cincinnati during two fundraisers: the Crosstown Foodout and Giving Tuesday.
Fusion reactors may be key to uncovering dark matter
December 22, 2025
Yahoo! News highlights a new study by University of Cincinnati physicist Jure Zupan that explains how fusion reactors might create subatomic particles associated with dark matter.