Study Reveals Immune Cell Interaction Accelerates Tumor Growth: Implications for Sustainable Cancer Treatment

Introduction

Researchers at Nagoya University, Japan, have uncovered a biological mechanism by which macrophages, a type of immune cell, inadvertently promote tumor growth when interacting with dying cancer cells. This discovery has significant implications for advancing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, by informing more effective cancer therapies that can reduce mortality and improve health outcomes globally.

Mechanism of Tumor Growth Promotion by Macrophages

Key Findings

1. Dying cancer cells within tumors expose specific signals on their surface.
2. Macrophages detect these signals and perform phagocytosis, engulfing the dying cells.
3. This process triggers macrophages to produce cytokines, proteins that activate growth signals in surviving cancer cells.
4. Activated cancer cells produce additional cytokines, creating a chain reaction that enhances tumor growth.

Experimental Model and Methodology

• Fruit flies (Drosophila) were used as a model organism due to their immune system similarity to humans.
• Genetically modified flies with induced tumors in eye tissue allowed real-time tracking of macrophage and cancer cell interactions.
• Researchers manipulated gene expression and protein presence to observe effects on tumor progression.

Impact of Blocking the Pathway

Interventions that inhibited macrophage phagocytosis of dying cancer cells or blocked cytokine production resulted in a significant reduction in tumor growth. These findings challenge current cancer treatment strategies that aim to enhance immune cell activity, highlighting the need for nuanced approaches aligned with SDG 3.

Biological Insights: From Fruit Flies to Human Health

Inflammatory Cytokine Upd3 and Its Human Equivalent

• Macrophages produce Upd3, an inflammatory cytokine analogous to human interleukin-6 (IL-6).
• Upd3 activates JAK and STAT proteins in living cancer cells, which are typically involved in immune response and tissue repair.
• Cancer cells exploit this pathway by producing their own Upd3, amplifying tumor growth signals.

Broader Implications for Cancer Treatment

Given the evolutionary conservation of these molecular pathways, the study suggests that similar mechanisms may operate in humans. Targeting the interaction between macrophages and dying cancer cells could lead to innovative therapies that curb tumor progression, contributing to SDG 3 by reducing the global cancer burden.

Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

• Enhancing understanding of tumor biology to develop targeted cancer treatments.
• Reducing mortality and morbidity associated with aggressive cancers.
• Promoting research that bridges basic science and clinical applications.

SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

• Utilizing advanced genetic and imaging technologies in biomedical research.
• Encouraging innovation in therapeutic strategies based on molecular insights.

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

• Fostering international collaboration in cancer research.
• Sharing scientific knowledge to accelerate global health improvements.

Conclusion

The Nagoya University study reveals a paradoxical role of macrophages in tumor progression, emphasizing the complexity of immune system interactions in cancer. By integrating these insights into cancer therapy development, the research supports the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals related to health, innovation, and global partnerships.

References

Hirooka E, Hattori R, Ikawa K, et al. Macrophages promote tumor growth by phagocytosis-mediated cytokine amplification in Drosophila. Current Biology. 2025. doi:10.1016/j.cub.2025.05.068

For further information, visit the Nagoya University research release.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • The article focuses on cancer research, tumor growth mechanisms, and potential new treatments, directly relating to ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all ages.
2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
   • The use of genetically modified fruit flies and advanced biological research techniques highlights innovation in scientific research infrastructure.
3. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • The collaborative research efforts and sharing of scientific knowledge across institutions and countries support global partnerships for sustainable development.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Target 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being. The article’s focus on understanding tumor growth mechanisms and potential cancer treatments aligns with this target.
   • Target 3.b: Support the research and development of vaccines and medicines for the communicable and non-communicable diseases that primarily affect developing countries. The study’s insights into cancer cell behavior and immune responses contribute to medical research advancements.
2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
   • Target 9.5: Enhance scientific research, upgrade the technological capabilities of industrial sectors. The use of model organisms and genetic modification techniques in cancer research supports this target.
3. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • Target 17.6: Enhance North-South, South-South and triangular regional and international cooperation on and access to science, technology and innovation. The article reflects international scientific cooperation and knowledge sharing.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Indicators for SDG 3 Targets
   • Indicator 3.4.1: Mortality rate attributed to cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes or chronic respiratory disease. The article’s focus on tumor growth and cancer mechanisms relates to measuring cancer mortality rates.
   • Indicator 3.b.1: Proportion of the population with access to affordable medicines and vaccines on a sustainable basis. The development of new cancer treatments implied by the research could influence this indicator.
2. Indicators for SDG 9 Targets
   • Indicator 9.5.1: Research and development expenditure as a proportion of GDP. The article implies ongoing investment in scientific research.
   • Indicator 9.5.2: Number of researchers per million inhabitants. The involvement of researchers and PhD students in the study relates to this indicator.
3. Indicators for SDG 17 Targets
   • Indicator 17.6.2: Fixed Internet broadband subscriptions per 100 inhabitants, reflecting access to technology and information sharing. While not directly mentioned, the international collaboration and dissemination of research findings imply progress in this area.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: technologynetworks.com