STING Activation as an Immunotherapeutic Strategy for Soft Tissue Sarcoma

Description

In this presentation, Kayla Marritt discusses her research on soft tissue sarcomas, which are aggressive malignancies derived from embryonic mesodermal tissues like muscle and fat. Emphasizing their limited responsiveness to conventional chemotherapy, she highlights the necessity for novel treatments, specifically focusing on the STING signaling pathway. Marritt explores the potential of a drug called DMXAA that activates the mouse STING receptor, demonstrating its efficacy in preclinical models of undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (UPS). Through survival experiments with immunocompetent mice, she reports that DMXAA treatment leads to longer survival rates and significant tumor regression, indicating the necessity of mature lymphocytes in mediating this effect. Furthermore, she presents compelling evidence of lasting immunity in mice that rejected re-challenged tumor cells following treatment. Marritt acknowledges the limitations of her studies while advocating for further research into STING activation in various sarcoma models and combination therapies to enhance treatment options. She concludes by thanking her supervisors, lab members, and funding sources for their support.

DOI: 10.1302/3114-210370

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