New research shows that prostate cancer can be effectively eliminated with immunotherapy, according to Radio New Zealand.

Elle May Garvis conducted her Ph.D. research at the Malagan Institute in Wellington, New Zealand. It was published in the medical journal Frontiers in Immunology.

The study, funded by the Prostate Cancer Foundation, found that immune cells in prostate tissue can be activated to destroy cancerous cells.

Garvis found that immune cells found in prostate tissue, called MAIT, function abnormally and have an abundance of the molecule PD-1 (PD-1) on their surface.

“When MAIT cells were activated and PD-1 was blocked, it triggered anti-tumor activity and destroyed the cancer cells,” she added.

“Most men will develop prostate cancer if they live long,” said Robert Winkoff, director of the Malagan Institute, which led the research.

He continued: “It often grows slowly, but it can significantly affect the quality of life of those who suffer from it. Particularly dangerous is if the cancer spreads to other parts of the body, such as the bones.”

He explained that “immunotherapies that effectively treat prostate cancer have not yet been the focus of attention.”

Current treatments for prostate cancer include surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy or testosterone inhibitors. Some of them have serious side effects.