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.