Scientists at MIT and Stanford have developed a new way to help the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells more effectively. Their strategy targets special sugar molecules on the surface of cancer cells that form a "sugar shield" and suppress immune activity. These molecules serve as a hidden switch that tumors use to remain invisible to immune defenses. The method rids the cancer of this shield. Initial tests show that this approach boosts the immune response. In addition, it can outperform current antibody therapies.