Natural killer cells – or NK cells – are part of our immune system. They patrol our bodies for abnormal cells like cancer and destroy them. But cancer cells can make themselves invisible, making it much more difficult for NK cells to find them and do their job. Enhancing cancer-fighting ability of NK cells We gather NK cells from donated umbilical cord blood and transform these cells into an effective cancer therapy. “Our approach is to extract NK cells from the blood of an umbilical cord that’s been donated by parents after their baby’s birth,” A molecule called a chimeric antigen receptor – or a CAR – is then added to the NK cells. With this addition, the new CAR NK cells can now recognize a target on the surface of the previously “invisible” cancer cell and attack. We have an off-the-shelf product, so it’s ready for use as soon as the patient needs it.
CAR NK cells also were seen in patients’ bodies one year after their treatment. This suggests the CAR NK cells are continuing to look for cancer cells and working long-term. And, patients have had minimal side effects from the CAR NK cell therapy itself. But we do see some side effects from the conditioning chemotherapy. The most common are nausea and a drop in blood counts, which can increase the risk of infection. These side effects typically appear within seven to 14 days of receiving the chemotherapy, but they can be easily managed.
CAR NK cells also were seen in patients’ bodies one year after their treatment. This suggests the CAR NK cells are continuing to look for cancer cells and working long-term. And, patients have had minimal side effects from the CAR NK cell therapy itself. But we do see some side effects from the conditioning chemotherapy. The most common are nausea and a drop in blood counts, which can increase the risk of infection. These side effects typically appear within seven to 14 days of receiving the chemotherapy, but they can be easily managed.
Before you receive CAR NK therapy, you’ll receive chemotherapy for three consecutive days. The job of this chemotherapy isn’t to fight the cancer, but rather to prepare your body for the modified NK cells. After a two-day break, you’ll then receive a single dose of CAR NK therapy. It’s delivered through one of your veins – just like a blood transfusion. And then we wait for the cells to do their job.
Patients have had only minimal side effects from the CAR NK cell therapy itself. The most common are nausea and a drop in blood counts, which can increase the risk of infection. These side effects typically appear within seven to 14 days of receiving the chemotherapy, but they can be easily managed.
CAR NK therapy attacks cancer quickly, therefore it is a valid treatment option with very few side effects.
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Scientific article publishing date: 19/19/2020
Article identifier BCN22_409EN
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