Researchers have discovered that tumors release fatty acids that inhibit cytotoxic T lymphocytes’ ability to kill tumor cells by by blocking a number of the lymphocytes’ signaling events.

So strategies that reduce the amount of fatty acids surrounding the tumors may give a boost to anti-cancer therapeutics.

These results from the Torrey Pines Institute for Molecular Studies raise the possibilities of new therapeutic targets for cancer, such as those that may transport free fatty acids out of the tumor. Alternatively, free fatty acid levels in the blood could be used to help gauge the aggressive potential of a tumor.

Source: American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology news release