Layman’s explanation: This sounds like it could a huge step forward in fighting cancer! While this result is bound to only be applicable and practical for a subset of tumors, it gives rise to the possibility of a new or existing drug that can weaken tumors and make them easier to fight.
The α2-adrenergic receptors mentioned in the study play a crucial role in the regulation of a ubiquitous signaling molecule called cAMP. Using an agonist (a small molecule that activates a receptor) for α2-adrenergic receptors would decrease cAMP signaling in immune cells, which can provide them the cues necessary to activate against a tumor. In short, tumors normally do a good job of hiding from your immune cells, and activating their α2-adrenergic receptors seems to partially circumvent this problem.
I’m a biologist who is accustomed to interpreting the fine details of these sorts of studies, so do feel free to reach out with any specific questions.
This sounds like something people in high risk groups may be able to take as a prophylactic. For example women with the breast cancer gene.
Cool idea! I do feel that a drug like this could exacerbate the risk of autoimmune diseases, though