A study published on December 12, 2025, in the Chinese Neurosurgical Journal (Volume 11, Issue 32) reveals eosinophils suppress chordoma growth, positioning them as a novel immunotherapeutic target.1
Analysis of 142 chordoma patients showed an inverse relationship:
lower peripheral and tumor-infiltrating eosinophil counts correlate with higher Ki-67 proliferation index and increased recurrence risk.12
In vitro coculture experiments demonstrated eosinophils induce dose-dependent apoptosis in chordoma cells via TNF-α cytokine signaling; blocking TNF-α reduced this effect.12
Led by Professor Liu Pinan and Dr. Wang Bo from Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, the research highlights eosinophils' antitumorigenic role in this rare, aggressive tumor with poor prognosis and limited treatments.12
Findings suggest potential for eosinophil-targeted therapies to improve chordoma management, addressing challenges like radiotherapy/chemotherapy resistance and surgical difficulties.12
Sources:
1. https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1114810
2. https://bioengineer.org/eosinophils-emerge-as-promising-therapeutic-target-in-chordoma-reports-chinese-neurosurgical-journal/