FT538 + cetuximab

FT538 + cetuximab is an investigative **combination therapy** comprising FT538, an off-the-shelf adoptive cell immunotherapy using genetically engineered induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived natural killer (NK) cells, and cetuximab, a monoclonal antibody targeting the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) on cancer cells. FT538 cells are edited for high-affinity non-cleavable CD16 (FcγRIII), CD38 knockout to prevent antibody-induced fratricide, and an IL-15/IL-15 receptor alpha fusion to enhance cellular persistence without the need for cytokine administration. Cetuximab inhibits EGFR signaling, blocking proliferation and survival of tumor cells, while FT538 enhances antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) by resisting fratricide and providing potent NK cell-mediated tumor killing. This combination leverages both targeted EGFR blockade and immune cell-mediated direct tumor cell killing, primarily investigated for hematologic and solid malignancies[1][2][3][4][5].

Other names

hnCD16+IL-15RF+CD38KO engineered iPSC-derived NK cell therapyFT 538FT538FT-538cetuximab