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Immunotherapy (NK T Cell)
Immunotherapy is a treatment method that enhances immunity by multiplying and activating various immune cells through cell culture, which are then reintroduced into the body. Due to the need for cell processing, it is classified as regenerative medicine. Our partner, Artisan Clinic Hibiya has obtained Codes of the Plans for the Provision of Regenerative Medicine for immunotherapy using different types of immune cells, including NK cells, dendritic cells, alpha-beta T cells, and gamma-delta T cells.
Natural Killer Cells
NK cells, or “Natural Killer Cells", are responsible for identifying and attacking abnormalities in the body. However, their immune activity often declines with aging or stress, weakening the immune system and increasing the risk of various diseases.
NK cells have the highest cytotoxic activity against cancer cells among immune cells. We collect your blood, culture and activate the NK cells, and then reintroduce them into your body. This method enhances your body's natural immune cells, minimizing stress on the body while safely targeting cancer and infectious diseases.
An additional benefit of this treatment is its ability to complement other cancer and infectious disease therapies. This cycle, if repeated periodically, will build up a very high level of immune strength that enhances overall health, and improve the body’s capacity to fight diseases.
Natural Killer (NK) cells are a type of lymphocyte related to T and B cells, arising from a common progenitor. However, as part of the innate immune system, NK cells are classified as group I Innate Lymphoid Cells (ILCs) and are known for their rapid response to various pathological threats. They are most recognized for destroying virus-infected cells and detecting as well as controlling early signs of cancer. Besides their role in immune defense, specialized NK cells are also found in the placenta, suggesting a potential role in pregnancy.
NK cells were initially identified for their ability to destroy tumor cells without requiring prior activation or priming, unlike cytotoxic T cells that need to be primed by antigen-presenting cells. This innate ability to kill cells gives NK cells their name. In addition to their cytotoxic functions, NK cells secrete cytokines such as IFNγ and TNFα, which activate other immune cells, like macrophages and dendritic cells, to boost the immune response.
As they patrol the body, NK cells continuously interact with other cells. Whether an NK cell decides to kill a particular cell depends on signals from activating and inhibitory receptors on its surface. Activating receptors detect molecules present on the surface of infected or cancerous cells, triggering the NK cell to respond. Inhibitory receptors, on the other hand, serve to prevent unnecessary cell killing. Most healthy cells display MHC I molecules, marking them as‘self', which are recognized by the NK cell's inhibitory receptors, preventing them from attacking. However, infected or cancerous cells often lose their MHC I expression, making them more susceptible to NK cell-mediated killing. Once an NK cell is activated to kill, it releases cytotoxic granules containing perforin and granzymes, which lead to the destruction of the target cell.
The genes encoding both MHC I and the NK cell inhibitory receptors that recognize them show significant variation between individuals. The specific alleles a person carries for these genes have been associated with their ability to combat HIV infections and their susceptibility to certain autoimmune diseases. NK cell characteristics also change with age and can be influenced by chronic viral infections, such as cytomegalovirus (CMV).
Due to their tumor-killing capabilities, NK cells are an appealing focus for cancer immunotherapies. Some monoclonal antibody therapies rely on NK cells to eliminate cancer cells. In addition, researchers are exploring treatments that activate NK cells using small molecules or cytokines and are even testing genetically engineered NK cells as potential therapies.
Immunotherapy benefits:
Even individuals in good health can have an immune age that surpasses their chronological age. At our clinic, we provide immunity assessments to determine your current immune status, enabling you to track and enhance your immune function through immunotherapy.In addition to NK cells, we offer immunotherapy using a range of immune cells, including dendritic cells, alpha-beta T cells, and gamma-delta T cells, under our regenerative medicine provision plan. Our expert physicians will recommend the most appropriate treatment based on your health condition.
In a healthy state:
- Improving your health by boosting your body's natural healing capabilities.
- Prevent cancer or virus infection.
Combination with surgery and proton beam therapy:
- Prevent cancer from relapsing or metastasizing.
- Induce immune strength against cancer.
Combination with chemotherapy:
- Enhance rehabilitative effects through synergy.
- Reduce the side effects of chemotherapy.
Combination with palliative care:
- Delay cancer progression.
- Improve a prognosis or overall quality of life.
Adjuvant alternative cytokine-induced killer cell combined with natural killer cell immunotherapy improves the prognosis of post-mastectomy breast cancer
The document discusses a study on the effectiveness of adjuvant cellular immunotherapy combining cytokine-induced killer cells and natural killer cells in improving the prognosis of post-mastectomy breast cancer patients, particularly those with triple-negative breast cancer.
Overview of Cellular Immunotherapy in Breast Cancer
This study investigates the effectiveness of adjuvant cellular immunotherapy (CIT) combined with natural killer (NK) cell therapy in improving the prognosis of post-mastectomy breast cancer patients.
Patient Demographics and Study Design
- A total of 214 post-mastectomy breast cancer patients were enrolled in the study.
- Patients were divided into two groups: 107 in the control group (traditional therapies) and 107 in the CIT group (traditional therapies plus CIT).
- Among the participants, 54 had triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), with 26 in the control group and 28 in the CIT group.
- The median age of patients was 50.29 years, with no significant demographic differences between the groups.
Treatment Procedures and Immune Cell Generation
- Patients in the CIT group received at least four cycles of cellular immunotherapy after completing traditional treatments.
- CIK (cytokine-induced killer) cells were generated from patients' peripheral blood, while NK cells were expanded and infused alternately.
- The treatment involved a two-week culture period for immune cells, followed by sequential infusions of CIK and NK cells.
Efficacy of Cellular Immunotherapy
- Survival analysis indicated that patients receiving CIT had a higher overall survival (OS) rate compared to the control group (p=0.0002).
- The CIK combined with NK cell therapy group showed the best prognosis (p=0.0003).
- The 1-year and 3-year OS rates for the CIK+NK group were 100% and 91.67%, respectively, indicating strong anti-tumor effects.
Subgroup Analysis of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
- Among the 54 TNBC patients, CIT treatment significantly improved prognosis (p=0.0039).
- The CIK+NK group had the best outcomes in the TNBC subgroup (p=0.0057).
- The 5-year and 10-year survival rates for TNBC patients receiving CIT were 89.29%, compared to 85.4% and 65.54% for non-TNBC patients.
Safety and Toxicity of Cellular Immunotherapy
- The CIT treatment was well-tolerated, with no serious adverse events reported.
- Common mild adverse events included fever (4 patients), fatigue (7 patients), and transient hypertension (3 patients).
- All adverse events were rated as grade 1 or 2 and were manageable with symptomatic treatment.
Statistical Analysis and Prognostic Factors
- Univariate and multivariate analyses indicated that younger age (p=0.044) and receipt of CIT (p=0.003) were associated with improved OS.
- Patients receiving alternating CIK and NK cell therapy had significantly better outcomes compared to those receiving CIK therapy alone (p=0.009).
- Age over 50 years was identified as an independent prognostic factor for worse outcomes.
Impact of CIT on Elderly Patients
CIT treatment significantly improves overall survival (OS) in patients over 50 years old compared to younger patients.
- CIT treatment is a prognostic factor for patients aged over 50 years.
- Patients older than 50 years benefited more from CIT treatment (p=0.0014).
- Survival analysis indicates that elderly patients can achieve longer OS with CIT.
Efficacy of CIT in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
CIT shows promising survival benefits for patients with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC).
- The study included 214 patients, with 54 having TNBC.
- Patients receiving CIT had better prognosis compared to those who did not.
- Sequential CIT with CIK and NK cells resulted in improved survival rates.
Mechanism and Advantages of CIT
CIT utilizes immune cells to target and eliminate tumor cells, offering advantages over traditional therapies.
- NK cells can kill tumor cells without being restricted by MHC.
- CIT aims to expand immune cells in the peripheral blood to enhance anti-tumor activity.
- The treatment is less likely to cause drug resistance compared to conventional chemotherapy.
Challenges in Implementing CIT
Current challenges in CIT include cell expansion, genetic modification, and sourcing NK cells.
- Expanding NK cells in vitro is time-consuming and costly.
- The proportion of expanded NK cells varies among patients.
- Potential sources for NK cells include peripheral blood, umbilical cord blood, and iPSCs.
Conclusion on CIT's Potential
CIT is a promising treatment for post-mastectomy breast cancer, particularly for TNBC and older patients.
- Sequential CIT with CIK and NK cells can prolong OS.
- The findings support the use of CIT as a reliable treatment option for patients unable to tolerate other therapies.
Our Mission
To empower individuals to live longer, healthier lives, while embracing a gradual, lifestyle-friendly approach. By bridging cutting-edge research with practical solutions, we aim to inspire a global community to take control of their aging journey—today, not tomorrow.
How Can We Help
At Artisan Regenerative Centre, we offer a proactive approach to aging, focusing on science-based therapies that align with your lifestyle. Whether you’re looking for a gradual, less invasive path or exploring cutting-edge solutions, we can help you take the right steps toward better health and longevity.
