Researchers Identified Rare Immune Cells in Cancer Patients
New findings reveal a specific cell type that may help tumors hide from the immune system in advanced cancer.
Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Cancer
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Scientists at Mass General Brigham have identified a rare population of RORC-expressing dendritic cells in patients with metastatic cancer. This discovery, detailed in a study of more than 500,000 cells, offers a new window into why certain advanced cancers are resistant to treatment.
Why it matters
Patients who develop malignant ascites, a condition affecting roughly one in ten people with solid tumors, typically respond poorly to current chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Understanding the immune ecosystem surrounding these metastases is a critical step toward developing more effective treatments.
In a study published in Science Immunology using a dataset of over 500,000 cells, researchers identified RORC-expressing dendritic cells in 22 of 23 metastatic cancer patients. These findings remain preliminary as researchers evaluate their impact in patient-derived models.
The players
Mass General Brigham
An integrated academic health care system that conducts extensive research into cancer immunology and therapeutic innovation.
The details
Researchers collected blood and malignant ascites fluid from patients with stomach and esophagus cancers to profile their immune landscape. They found that RORC-expressing dendritic cells resemble immune cells typically responsible for establishing immune tolerance, a process that may allow tumors to avoid detection. By analyzing these cells through single-cell RNA sequencing and surface protein measurement, scientists are working to determine how these pathways might be targeted in future therapies.
Timeline
October 8, 2026: The study was published in the journal Science Immunology.
Health Landscape
This research follows the ongoing efforts of the National Cancer Institute's Cancer Moonshot initiative to accelerate the understanding and treatment of metastatic disease. It marks a shift toward mapping the complex immune ecosystems that contribute to treatment resistance in solid tumors.
While this discovery provides a new target for research, it does not currently change existing diagnostic or treatment protocols for patients. If you or a loved one are managing metastatic cancer, these findings are worth discussing with your oncologist to understand if future clinical trials might be applicable.
The takeaway
This discovery highlights how tumors may use specific immune cells to establish tolerance, effectively hiding from the body's defenses. Patients should continue to follow their prescribed care plans and consult their physician regarding ongoing updates in immunotherapy research.
Further reading
For more on the current understanding of immune evasion in oncology, visit our Cancer section.
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Do you believe new research into immune cells will lead to better cancer treatments?
