Natural Killer Cells Battle Pediatric Leukemia

Researchers at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles have shown that a select team of immune-system cells from patients with leukemia can be multiplied in the lab, creating an army of natural killer cells that can be used to destroy the cancer cells. Results of their in vitro study, published August 19 in the journal Leukemia, could one day provide a less toxic and more effective way to battle this cancer in children.

As a way to avoid these adverse effects, investigators have been researching how to supercharge the body’s innate cancer-fighting ability– a technique called immunotherapy. One branch of the immune system – and a possible component of immunotherapy – includes a class of cells called natural killer (NK) cells. These specialized white blood cells police the body and destroy abnormal cells before they turn cancerous.

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Natural (Born) Killer Cells Battle Pediatric Leukemia

Source: Childrens Hospital Los Angeles