Abdominal spread of tumours in the ovaries, colon and certain lymphoid organ tumours represents one of the most difficult complications in oncology patient care. With the complicated anatomical conditions of the peritoneum, the exact diagnostics of this condition is not solved either.
In an animal research of the spread of an aggressive lymphatic tumour (diffuse large B-cell lymphoma), at the University of Pécs Clinical Center Department of Immunology and Biotechnology dr. Péter Balogh, full professor and his colleagues, in collaboration with other UP departments and the Semmelweis University, have identified specific binding sites on the peritoneal surface of mice to which tumour cells in the abdomen have been connected with high efficiency. These leaf-like structures are called "foliate lymphoid aggregate" (FLAg), from where tumour cells can reach additional lymphatic tissues.
Based on these, it is suggested that the inhibition of FLAg may also reduce the spread of tumours in the abdomen. The researchers reported the results of the OTKA-sponsored research in a January issue of one of the leading international immunology journals, the Journal of Immunology.
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