This research combines focused ultrasound and engineered genetic circuits to activate cancer immunotherapy directly within solid tumors. By locally triggering immune-stimulating cytokines such as IL-12, the approach aims to convert “cold” tumors into “hot” tumors while minimizing systemic toxicity, potentially expanding curative immunotherapy treatments to more cancer patients.

This research investigates therapy-resistant persister cells in lung cancer using single-cell analysis of patient tumors before, during, and after treatment. Findings show persister cells survive by entering a dormant state and activating the cilia–FGFR4 survival pathway. Targeting this pathway could eliminate persister cells and prevent relapse in patients.