VIB/VUB-team map immune cells in aggressive brain tumor

Human glioblastoma tumors are aggressive hard-to-treat brain cancers that have a high unmet need for new treatment options. A team of researchers led by Prof. Kiavash Movahedi and Prof. Jo Van Ginderachter (VIB-VUB), in collaboration with colleagues from VIB, VUB, and KU Leuven, have mapped the immune landscape in these glioblastoma tumors. Their results provide insights into the multifaceted role of glioblastoma-associated macrophages. This important class of immune cells infiltrates the tumors and promotes disease progression. As macrophages form an important therapeutic target for glioblastoma, the new findings provide a basis for developing new immunotherapeutic approaches for this disease. The findings were published s. Prof. Kiavash Movahedi (VIB-VUB): "Macrophages are the next frontier in cancer immunotherapy. They can either promote or block tumor growth.