allogeneic natural killer cell therapy (Masonic Cancer Center)

Allogeneic natural killer (NK) cell therapy is an investigational cellular immunotherapy being developed by the Masonic Cancer Center at the University of Minnesota. It involves the infusion of NK cells derived from a related donor into patients with advanced metastatic breast cancer, as well as other gynecologic cancers such as ovarian, fallopian tube, and primary peritoneal cancers. The treatment protocol includes a lymphodepleting preparative regimen consisting of cyclophosphamide and fludarabine chemotherapy, often supplemented with total body irradiation (TBI), to prevent host rejection and create a favorable environment for the donor cells. Post-infusion, patients receive interleukin-2 (IL-2) to support the expansion and persistence of the NK cells. The therapy leverages the innate ability of NK cells to recognize and eliminate tumor cells through various cytotoxic mechanisms, representing a platform for treating solid tumors through innate immune surveillance.

Other names

allogeneic NK cellsdonor-derived natural killer cells