The protective scent that many tumour cells spray themselves with suppresses the immune system. However, it appears that a drug that is already approved for other uses can neutralize this weapon. A study from the University of Bonn and the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf published in the Journal for Immunotherapy of Cancer proves this. The researchers said, “The substance will now be further optimized. This could eventually lead to the development of anti-cancer drugs.”

Many cancer cells have dense clouds of adenosine around them. The chemicals suppress the immune system. Feeding it promotes the growth of new blood vessels. It hydrates the tumour. This additionally ensures that cancer cells spread to other organs. They develop metastases there.

Adenosine triphosphate is used to make adenosine. It is highly secreted by tumour cells. They contain a variety of enzymes. They alternately convert ATP to adenosine. Name one of CD39. Professor Dr Christa Müller of the University of Bonn’s Institute of Pharmacy explains that it catalyzes the initial transformation phase. “Little adenosine is generated when CD39 is blocked.”

Pharmaceutical researchers are consequently looking for an active ingredient that slows down CD39 around the world. Because without adenosine, cancer cannot be protected by the immune system. Fortunately, Shakel reports that “one of the drugs, ceritinib, likewise prevents the conversion of ATP by CD39.”

The researchers said, “We were able to demonstrate this in cultures of so-called triple-negative breast cancer cells in addition to test tubes. These are quite challenging to treat because they frequently show little improvement with treatments.”