Researchers at UChicago Medicine have launched a first-of-its-kind clinical trial testing a new type of personalized cell therapy designed to help the body's own immune system recognize and destroy cancer cells. The study will evaluate the treatment's safety and early effectiveness in patients with metastatic ovarian cancer and several other advanced solid tumors.

Yona Tugg and colleagues show that a polyclonal secretory immunoglobulin A preparation, purified from breast milk pooled from multiple donors, neutralized respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), human adenovirus type 5, and H1N1 and H3N2 influenza A viruses in laboratory assays. In mouse models of H1N1 influenza infection, two intranasal doses of LCTG-001, given two hours before and 24 hours after infection, reduced illness and lung damage in both immunocompetent and antibody-deficient mice. In immunocompetent mice, lung viral loads were lower early in infection but comparable to controls later, despite less lung damage and better lung barrier integrity. The findings support further study of mucosal passive immunization for individuals with antibody deficiencies, although efficacy in humans has not been established. LCTG-001 could also be a candidate for seasonal influenza prevention and pandemic response, the researchers suggest. Tugg et al. produced the purified IgA product from breast milk collected from 120 donors through milk banks in Indianapolis and Pittsburgh. LCTG-001 also bound proteins and virus-like particles from H5N1 avian influenza viruses in clade 2.3.4.4b, but showed little neutralizing activity against the H5N1 strain tested; protection against H5N1 was not tested in animals. In laboratory assays, LCTG-001 inhibited influenza neuraminidase activity and stimulated human neutrophils when complexed with influenza antigens; the contribution of these activities to protection in mice remains unresolved.

The growth and death of cancer cells in the lab is studied primarily in two-dimensional cell cultures. In a study publishing in the Cell Press journal Developmental Cell on October 14, researchers instead used three-dimensional models to uncover how pressure and mechanical confinement impact cell growth—halting the cells’ metastatic behavior and ultimately leading to their death. The findings could lead to the development of new biomarkers to predict which cancers are more likely to spread, or metastasize, and could ultimately lead to new approaches for preventing metastasis. 

(WASHINGTON – Oct. 14, 2026) – The American Society of Hematology (ASH) released guidelines on the management of myelofibrosis, a rare and life-threatening blood cancer.  ASH’s new guidelines recommend expanded molecular testing, early transplant referral, appropriate use of JAK inhibitors, and aspirin therapy in select patients.