Team identifies a ‘forcefield-like’ defense system in solid tumors and the genetic elements that can switch it off

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have found that small extracellular vesicles are secreted by tumor cells and act as a "forcefield," blocking nanoparticle-based therapies aimed at targeting cancers. "A lot like the Death Star with its surrounding fleet of fighter ships and protective shields, solid tumors can use features like immune cells and vasculature to exert force, acting as a physical barrier to rebel forces (nanoparticles) coming in to deliver the payload that destroys it," said Michael Mitchell, one of the researchers involved in this study.