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A sneak peek into NK Cell Therapy

Intravenous therapy for the healthier immune system

By Kath Wong | March 17th, 2021

What is NK Cell Therapy?

Natural Killer (NK) cells are one of the sub-types of white blood cells present in humans with a role of first-line defence for the body’s natural immune system. They are capable of differentiating the target cells that are infected and uninfected (normal cells), which then their role is to eliminate the infected cells and this may help to control early signs of cancer.

NK cells respond quickly to a wide variety of pathological challenges; they also enhance the body’s immune response by releasing certain chemicals called cytokines which support other immune cells in the body. 

 

The Use of NK Cells

Natural Killer cells in high volume with full potency have the ability to fight off many diseases which include cancer and immunocompromising diseases such as malignancies, viruses, HIV, and Aids. Large amounts of NK cells strengthen the patient’s immune system. Not only do NK cells eliminate the infected target cells, but they also work to prevent the recurrence of those viral or cancerous cells after with its stronger memory to attack. 

Moreover, NK cell therapy also improves blood circulation throughout the body; and with the enhanced immune system, the effect can result in better skin quality, normalized skin cells turnover, as well as the better functioning of skin cells. 

 

What Is Done During NK Cell Therapy?

NK cells are the most difficult to be produced by the body. For effective results, the patients are required to receive over 5 to 10 billion NK cells for the best efficacy. The procedure involves consultation, proposal of the appropriate treatment protocol, and blood tests to check for any infectious diseases. Once set, a 50 ml blood sample will be collected through an intravenous method to start the NK cell therapy.

The blood sample will be taken to filter out unwanted substances and cultured to multiply the NK cells. The culture period takes about 2 weeks to complete. Transfusion of the cultured NK cells will be performed intravenously. 

 

Before Receiving NK Cell Therapy

Just like every other therapy, you must know the do's and dont's as well as how to prepare yourself for NK Cell Therapy. Here are the things you might want to know prior to the treatment:


  • Ensure that the blood samples are processed and cultured stringent in a tightly controlled Cell Culture Center (CPC).

  • Safety tests such as Sterility Test, Mycoplasma Denial Test, and Endotoxin Test should be done prior to the transfusion along with performance tests which include the test for a total number of cells, NK cell content, cell viability, and cell damage activity. It is important to note that this is not a full or sure cure for cancer, but a great adjunct with other therapeutic agents or medications prescribed to the patients.

  • NK cell therapy is not painful and has minimal side effects. The patients may feel light nauseous or fatigue but hospitalization is not required.

  • A small percentage of patients’ immune systems may reject the cells, in which symptoms include fever, rash, or vomiting and the doctor should be contacted immediately. 

The treatment is recommended especially for those who seek a solution for the weakened immune systems; though it is not a full cure for most diseases, NK cell therapy is believed to be the right step in treating malignant cells. 

Browse through NK Cell Therapies at our affiliate centres:

 NK Cell Therapy @ Phuket, Thailand

 

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