Targeting Galectin-1 With Radiation and Immune Checkpoints in Head and Neck Cancer

Dhanya K. Nambiar, PhD, Stanford University, discusses targeting galectin-1 with radiation therapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors in head and neck cancer.

Dhanya K. Nambiar, PhD, Stanford University, discusses targeting galectin-1 with radiation therapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors in head and neck cancer.

Galectin-1 is a carbohydrate binding protein that contributes to tumor-immune escape and disease progression. The tumors use galectin-1 as a barrier, which stops the immune response, says Nambiar.

Targeting galectin-1 and inhibiting it may allow for immune agents to infiltrate the tumor.