Damya Laoui, PhD, a bioengineer and immunologist at the Brussels Center for Immunology of the Department of Bioengineering Sciences in Brussels, Belgium, and the Flemish Institute of Biotechnology in Ghent, Belgium, is investigating how dendritic cells within tumors may be used to reduce the risk for cancer recurrence. 

Tumors are complex ecosystems rather than homogeneous masses. Cancer cells coexist with multiple immune cell types, including macrophages, which can account for up to 50% of the tumor mass. Early in her doctoral research, Laoui examined these cells because their functional roles have not yet been fully defined.

Speaking with MediQuality, part of the Medscape Professional Network, Laoui said that "Part of these cells are actually 'corrupted' and promote cancer progression." In addition to these pro-tumor macrophages, other immune cells try to counter disease progression.

Cell Discovery

Investigation of this functional heterogeneity has led to the identification of a distinct immune cell population within tumors that was initially misclassified as a macrophage subtype. Subsequent validation confirmed that these cells are dendritic cells.

"For a long time, my supervisor and other colleagues did not want to believe in the theory of another cell type. They thought that it was a hyperactivated macrophage. However, after discussions with international researchers, they confirmed that these were indeed dendritic cells. At that time, however, their role in cancer was not well understood," Laoui said.

Dendritic cells are recognized as central regulators of immune responses. They activate T lymphocytes, which identify and eliminate cancerous cells. Certain dendritic cell subsets appear to be particularly effective in initiating anti-tumor immunity, supporting their potential therapeutic use.

Therapy Approach

The proposed strategy involves a personalized immunotherapy model in which dendritic cells are isolated after tumor resection and reinjected into the same patient.

Because these cells have already captured tumor antigens, they can initiate a broader immune response. After reinfusion, dendritic cells migrate to the lymph nodes and activate T lymphocytes, enabling the recognition and elimination of micro metastases while promoting immune memory.

"The idea is to develop immune memory to avoid relapses, sometimes years later," Laoui said.

Although sometimes described as a vaccine, this approach is more accurately a therapeutic intervention aimed at preventing recurrence rather than treating the primary disease.

Response Variability

As seen with other immunotherapies, the treatment response varies across individuals. A key research priority is identifying biomarkers that predict the response.

The goal is twofold: to better target patients who are likely to respond to the treatment, and to avoid unnecessary treatments. "In future clinical trials, we will try to understand why some patients respond and others do not," Laoui said.

Immunotherapy is entering a new phase beyond this approach. Combination strategies that integrate immunotherapy with chemotherapy or other modalities are expected to become more common over the next few years, with an increasing focus on tailoring treatment to each patient's individual profile.

"The aim is to offer each patient the combination best suited to their tumor and immune system," the researcher explained.

Researchers are also studying approaches such as personalized messenger RNA vaccines developed from tumor-specific antigens. However, its clinical implementation remains complex.

Tumor Environment

The tumor microenvironment plays a critical role in shaping the immune response.

"It is like a seed. Even an excellent one will not grow in unsuitable soil," Laoui said.

Her ongoing research examines how the spatial distribution of dendritic cells within tumors influences their activity. Technologies such as spatial transcriptomics enable the mapping of these cellular niches and their functional effects. Similar spatial patterns across cancer types suggest shared biological mechanisms.

Research Path

Before turning to science, Laoui considered a career in music in her early years. A highly trained violist, she explored the possibility of attending a conservatory. She later abandoned that path, although she now acknowledges its lasting influence.

"As in music, you must know the rules but also dare to create something new," she said.

In her laboratory, this philosophy is reflected in research that places intuition, creativity, and interdisciplinary exchanges at its core.

Network Research

Scientific exchange plays a significant role in research advancement. Laoui considered participation in international conferences essential, both to present her findings and to compare them with those of other teams. "It is through exchanging perspectives that we truly move forward," she explained.

Her students are encouraged to pursue these opportunities for dialogue once or twice a year to broaden their thinking and integrate diverse approaches.

Such interactions often lead to collaborations, including one with Ana-Maria Lennon-Duménil, PhD, a researcher from the Department of Immunity and Cancer at the Curie Institute in Paris, who studied the impact of mechanical stress on cells. Her research showed that the deformation of dendritic cells, particularly when they pass between other cells, can alter their activation state.

"Once areas of convergence are identified, the challenge is to work together," she said.

This story was translated from MediQuality.