Scientists tested a combination of two treatments in mice with colon cancer. One drug was 3M-052 and the other was an anti-TNFR2 antibody. The researchers compared these groups to mice receiving only one drug or no treatment at all. This work was done in a laboratory setting using mouse models, not humans.
The team found that the combination therapy suppressed the growth of colon cancer in the mice. It also promoted the infiltration of CD8+ T cells into the tumor and reduced the level of Tregs within the tumor. Additionally, the treatment induced the differentiation of central memory T cells in the lymph nodes.
No safety concerns were reported because the study did not track adverse events or tolerability in these animals. Because this is a preclinical study in mice, the results cannot be directly applied to people. Readers should wait for human trials before considering these treatments for colon cancer.