Natural killer cells are part of the body’s immune system and help protect the body against infection and some cancers, particularly leukemia. A new study shows promising treatment for acute myelogenous leukemia // patients may lie in artificially stimulating natural killer cells from a patient’s family member. Researchers say this method could help treat patients with the highly fatal cancer of the bone marrow that has become resistant to standard treatment with chemotherapy.
The infused natural killer cells expanded in the AML patients with the ability to fight tumors, but there were no notable responses in the patients with renal cancer. Researchers believe the chemotherapy combination of cyclophosphamide and fludarabine allowed for the expansion of infused natural killer cells. These donated cells thrived in some patients for more than 28 days, and five of the 19 patients achieved remission. However researchers say more research needs to be done in order to broaden the treatment capabilities of AML and give more hope for patients
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