donor natural killer cells

Donor natural killer (NK) cells are an investigational cellular immunotherapy being evaluated by Dr. Monica Thakar for the treatment of high-risk pediatric solid tumors. This therapeutic approach involves the isolation of NK cells from an HLA-haploidentical donor (typically a family member), which are then infused into the patient following a reduced-intensity haploidentical hematopoietic cell transplantation (haplo-HCT). The donor NK cells are intended to provide an immediate graft-versus-tumor (GVT) effect by recognizing and eliminating residual malignant cells through missing-self recognition (mediated by KIR-ligand mismatch) and activation of receptors like NKG2D. This strategy aims to improve disease control and prevent relapse in patients with Ewing sarcoma, neuroblastoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, osteosarcoma, and central nervous system tumors, while minimizing the risk of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). The program was evaluated in the Phase 2 STIR trial (NCT02100891) at institutions including Nationwide Children's Hospital and Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center.

Other names

donor natural killer cells-Monica Thakar-Ewing sarcoma-neuroblastoma-rhabdomyosarcoma-osteosarcoma-central nervous system tumorhaploidentical donor natural killer cellsdonor NK cellshaplo-NK cells