Human eosinophils exert antitumorigenic effects on chordoma

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Immunology

Background:

• Chordoma is a rare, aggressive cancer with limited treatment options and high recurrence rates.
• Identifying new therapeutic targets is crucial for improving chordoma patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the role of eosinophils in chordoma.
• To explore eosinophils as a potential immunotherapy target for chordoma.

Main Methods:

• Chordoma patient data, including KI67 proliferation index and peripheral eosinophil counts, were analyzed.
• Eosinophil antitumor effects on chordoma cells were assessed via coculture experiments.
• Mechanisms of eosinophil action, including cytokine secretion and apoptosis induction, were investigated.

Main Results:

• Peripheral and tumor-infiltrated eosinophil counts decreased with higher KI67 proliferation index.
• Eosinophil levels were lower in patients with recurrent chordoma.
• Eosinophils inhibited chordoma cell proliferation by inducing apoptosis, partly via TNF-α secretion.

Conclusions:

• Eosinophils demonstrate antitumor activity against chordoma cells.
• Eosinophil-mediated apoptosis can be reversed by blocking TNF-α.
• Eosinophils represent a promising new target for chordoma immunotherapy.