Lymph Node Removal in Cancer Surgery faces Re-Evaluation as Immune Role Emerges
London – A decades-long standard practice in cancer surgery – the routine removal of lymph nodes – is undergoing intense scrutiny following new research highlighting their critical role in long-term immune protection. While lymph node dissection remains lifesaving for many, scientists are discovering these nodes are far more than just indicators of cancer spread; they are vital hubs for sustaining the body’s defense against lingering cancer cells.
Traditionally, lymph nodes where primarily removed to stage cancer - to determine if it had metastasized. However,growing evidence suggests preserving at least some functional lymph nodes is crucial for a patient’s ability to mount and maintain an effective immune response. Even with advancements like new mRNA cancer vaccines designed to “re-educate” the immune system, the presence of these nodes appears to considerably improve outcomes.
Future cancer surgery may become increasingly personalized. Researchers are working to map lymph node activity, identifying which are essential for immune function and which pose the greatest risk of seeding new tumors. This detailed understanding could allow surgeons to tailor procedures, maximizing cancer removal while minimizing damage to the body’s natural defenses. A study published in PubMed [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38929782/] explores this potential for personalized approaches.
“The recent discoveries challenge surgeons and oncologists to weigh every decision carefully: not just for what is removed today, but for the immunity and future defences left behind,” states Justin Stebbing, Professor of Biomedical sciences at Anglia Ruskin University.
the complex relationship between lymph node removal and patient outcomes means the practice isn’t universally detrimental. for many, it remains a necessary and effective treatment. However,the emerging science underscores the importance of lymph nodes as indispensable components of long-term immune protection,as detailed in research [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24833841/].
The future of cancer surgery promises smarter, more strategic interventions that prioritize preserving the body’s immune system while precisely targeting cancerous tissue.
this article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article here: https://theconversation.com/dont-cut-them-out-lymph-nodes-may-be-key-to-cancer-treatment-265557
