Sarcomas are rare but aggressive cancers that disproportionately affect children. Two researchers are working to develop more precise immunotherapies that may offer gentler and more effective treatment options.
Sarcomas are rare but aggressive cancers that disproportionately affect children. Two researchers are working to develop more precise immunotherapies that may offer gentler and more effective treatment options.
Sarcomas arise in supportive and connective tissues such as muscles, bones, fat, or tendons. “You can think of this tissue as the body’s framework,” explains Dr. Melita Irving. “When cells within this framework begin to divide uncontrollably, sarcomas develop." While rare in adults, sarcomas account for approximately 20 percent of all solid malignant tumors in children.
Sarcomas are frequently caused by sudden genetic alterations known as gene fusions. These changes activate growth signals that drive uncontrolled cell division. “Children are particularly vulnerable because their cells divide rapidly during growth,” explains Dr. Antonia Digklia. “This increases the likelihood of such genetic errors.”
Early detection is challenging, as sarcomas often develop deep within the body and can spread through the bloodstream at an early stage.
Current treatment options—including chemotherapy and targeted drugs—are often insufficient. “Many children experience relapses, and the side effects of treatment can be severe,” says Dr. Melita Irving. Even modern immunotherapies, such as checkpoint inhibitors, have so far benefited only a small proportion of patients with sarcomas.
At the Centre hospitalier universitaire vaudois (CHUV), the two scientists are focusing on advancing adoptive cell therapy. In this approach, the body’s own immune cells—known as T cells—are genetically modified to recognize and specifically destroy cancer cells. “We are developing specialized receptors that guide T cells directly to sarcoma cells,” explains clinical researcher Digklia.
In addition, the T cells are engineered to remain active for longer periods and to function safely within the challenging tumor environment. “Our goal is a therapy that is powerful enough to defeat the cancer, yet gentle enough to allow children to live normal lives.”
The greatest challenge lies in balancing effectiveness and safety. Nevertheless, the potential is significant. “We hope that our research will pave the way for new, effective immunotherapies—not only for sarcomas, but also for other rare solid tumors,” the researchers say with confidence.
Text: Danica Gröhlich, Fotos: Thomas Oehrli (visualcraft.ch)
KFS-6348-02-2025
