The University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) is holding a free public talk on how scientists are utilising the immune system to better treat brain cancer.
To mark Brain Tumour Awareness Month in March, UCLan’s public lecture on Thursday 7 March will explore the important role the immune system plays in protecting people from brain cancer.
Senior Lecturer from the School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences at UCLan Dr Peter Abel will discuss his research in this field.
He said: “Our immune system is a marvel of evolution, a complex network of cells, tissues and organs that keep us safe from many kinds of health threats, such as bacteria, viruses and fungi. But what most people don’t think about is the important role your immune system plays in protecting you from cancer.
"... most people don’t think about is the important role your immune system plays in protecting you from cancer."
— Senior Lecturer from the School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences Dr Peter Abel
“This lecture will examine the role of the immune system in the surveillance and elimination of brain cancers, and why this surveillance can break down. We will also look at whether we are missing a trick by focusing on treating the cancer cell itself or whether other targets would be better.”
In addition, Peter will share his own research seeking out new techniques to manipulate and monitor immune cells and their products and how he is looking to find new therapeutic options and ways to detect brain cancer earlier, leading to better patient outcomes.
Can we harness the immune system to detect and defeat brain cancer? Will take place on Thursday 7 March 6.00pm – 7.30pm on the Preston Campus. It’s free to attend but visitors are asked to book tickets via Eventbrite.