 This study demonstrated that a novel gene transfer strategy can be used to generate immune-competent mice that express interferon alpha, IFN. These mice are then used to study colorectal cancer, CRC, metastatic dissemination to the liver. The researchers found that TEMs, a subset of Ti2 plus monocytes and macrophages found at peritumoral sites accumulated in the vicinity of hepatic metastatic areas. They also showed that TEM mediated delivery of IFN inhibited tumor growth when administered prior to metastasis challenge as well as unestablished hepatic lesions, improving overall survival. Further analysis revealed that local delivery of IFN did not inhibit homing but limited the early phases of hepatic CRC cell expansion by acting on the radio-resistant hepatic microenvironment. Additionally, the researchers noted that TEMs were detected in the proximity of CRC metastasis in human livers, suggesting that this approach could potentially be used for treating patients with CRC. This article was authored by Mario Caterinella, Andrea Monastiroli, Julia Escobar, and others. We are article.tv, links in the description below.