Blocking one protein may turn radiation's immune side-effect against tumours

University of Chicago researchers found that radiation activates a protein called TET2 in bone-marrow immune cells, locking them into a state that shields tumours. In mice, removing or drug-blocking TET2 turned those cells into tumour fighters, slowing growth and reducing lung metastases alongside radiation and immunotherapy. The team is now exploring patient trials of TET2 inhibitors.