Key insight: PD-L1, a molecular target of cancer immunotherapy, is so closely tied to pain in animal experiments, scientists think it may mean the more pain is felt, the better the treatment is working.
Pain exists for a reason: It alerts us that something’s gone awry in our bodies. Now, a new study suggests that some cancers might block our ability to sense the pain that radiates from a tumor —allowing it to continue growing, surreptitiously.
The study, led by Ru-Rong Ji, an anesthesiology researcher at Duke University, takes a look at the PD-L1 protein, which cancer cells produce — helping them hide from immune cells and evade attack. He found that they may also play a role in suppressing pain. The findings might lead to new tools to help doctors assess whether the powerful cancer treatments known as immunotherapies — which work in only a fraction of cases — are actually helping any given patient.
This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers
Unlock this article — plus daily coverage and analysis of the biotech sector — by subscribing to STAT+.
Already have an account? Log in
Already have an account? Log in
About the Author Reprints
To submit a correction request, please visit our Contact Us page.
STAT encourages you to share your voice. We welcome your commentary, criticism, and expertise on our subscriber-only platform, STAT+ Connect