In the report published by the International Agency for Research on Cancer affiliated to the World Health Organization on 4 February 2024, it was revealed that an estimated 20 million new cancer cases were seen and 9.7 million people died due to cancer.
Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics faculty member Asst. Prof. Dr. Ebru Nur Ay conducts intensive studies on the increasing number of cancer cases in the world and the immune system. Within the scope of her studies in our Molecular Biology, Genetics and Protein R&D Laboratory and Drug Design, Synthesis and Pharmacology Laboratory, she is developing new approaches in the fight against cancer by strengthening the immune system.
As is known, the immune system is an extremely important factor for cancer patients. It was understood that T cells, which are part of this system, have the ability to recognise and destroy cancer cells. Asst. Prof. Dr. Ebru Nur Ay focuses on stimulating the immune system with T cells.
Conducting new studies to increase the effectiveness of cell therapy, Asst. Prof. Dr. Ebru Nur Ay said; ‘Cancer cases are increasing in the world and in our country. With our targeted studies, we aim to strengthen the immune response of potential drug candidate molecules to create a more effective defence against cancer cells. We are focussing on a drug formulation that has not been done before. With our research, we have developed cellular immunotherapies used in the fight against cancer.
Conducting new studies to increase the effectiveness of cell therapy, Asst. Prof. Dr. Ebru Nur Ay said; ‘Cancer cases are increasing in the world and in our country. With our targeted studies, we aim to strengthen the immune response of potential drug candidate molecules to create a more effective defence against cancer cells. We are focused on a drug formulation that has not been done before. With our research, we are examining how the cells used in the fight against cancer can be made more active.’
We aim to develop a new treatment method that will enable the immune system to be mobilised more strongly and effectively against cancer cells.