Transdermal therapy restores anti-tumor immunity in bladder cancer models Preclinical data show a first-in-class transdermal bicarbonate therapy increases tumor pH, reactivates T cells and slows bladder tumor growth in mice. Written byBree Foster, PhD

https://www.drugdiscoverynews.com/transdermal-therapy-restores-anti-tumor-immunity-in-bladder-cancer-models-17130?utm_campaign=DDN_Newsletter_Dose&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8hqc-9yKHZT2lCilX8RCCpFnJ_xs1pT47e78Kdigr9r3a84LdWU26PMomwdGq4LAOTpXRlwrVdsPHJN_VMEoJJ3fmbog&_hsmi=421619108&utm_content=421619108&utm_source=hs_email Extracellular acidity is a common feature of many solid tumors, similar to hypoxia. Increased metabolic rates, higher glycolysis and inadequate vasculature all contribute to the accumulation of acid in the tumor microenvironment (TME). This aspect is also one of their most effective defenses. Driven by altered metabolism and poor perfusion, the acidic TME suppresses immune cell function, promotes treatment resistance, and enables disease progression. While buffering tumor pH has shown promise in preclinical studies, translating this strategy into the clinic has proven elusive.