Natural Killer Cell (NK) Therapy

What Are Natural Killer (NK) Cells?

Natural Killer (NK) cells are crucial components of the human immune system. Unlike certain other immune cells, NK cells do not require prior “recognition” of a specific antigen; they can directly target and destroy a variety of “problematic” cells, including cancerous and virus-infected cells. Consequently, NK cells are considered the first line of defense in our immune response.

In medical treatments, an NK vaccine therapy collects the patient’s NK cells, cultivates and activates them extensively in a controlled environment, and then reintroduces them into the patient’s body. This heightened response boosts immune surveillance and the capacity to eliminate abnormal cells. By reducing the side effects commonly associated with chemotherapy and radiotherapy and potentially improving overall treatment outcomes, NK vaccine therapy can play a key role in supporting a patient’s quality of life.

Characteristics and Advantages of the Next-Generation NK Vaccine Therapy

Developed and used by Dr. Yoichi Kato, this advanced NK cell therapy is capable of increasing NK cell counts up to fivefold and enhancing cancer cell killing effectiveness by more than twofold. Its primary benefits include:

1. High Killing Efficiency

NK cells swiftly detect and eradicate a wide range of mutated or abnormal cells, significantly shortening the time needed to control severe diseases.

2. Low Side Effects

By employing the patient’s own immune cells rather than conventional drugs, the therapy generally presents milder side effects.

Applicability in Various Conditions

Even when drug therapies or radiation are less effective, NK cells can still be cultured and stimulated ex vivo to open new therapeutic possibilities.

3. No Specific Antigen Requirement

While some treatments rely on targeting particular antigens, NK cells can attack diverse abnormal cell types without requiring a predefined antigen, offering broader applications.

Standard Process of NK Therapy

1. Blood Sampling
Approximately 16 milliliters of the patient’s blood are drawn for NK cell isolation and subsequent cell culture.

2. Cell Culture and Activation (About Two Weeks)
Isolated NK cells are cultivated in a specialized laboratory setting, augmented by growth factors such as interleukin (IL)-2 and IL-15 to significantly boost their count—reaching over 2 billion cells—and enhance their capacity to identify and destroy malignant cells.

3. Reinfusion
After cultivation, these activated NK cells are typically introduced back into the patient’s bloodstream via IV infusion over approximately 60 minutes. Once reinfused, the cells begin promptly targeting and eliminating abnormal cells.

Primary Risks and Side Effects

Because NK therapy relies on the patient’s own immune cells, overall risk and side effects are limited. In rare instances, patients may exhibit the following symptoms within one to two days post-infusion:

1. Mild Fever
This normal immune response typically subsides within a few hours to half a day. Medical teams usually provide antipyretics and recommend rest.

2. Localized Redness
Slight redness or discomfort around the injection site generally resolves quickly on its own.

Where Can You Receive NK Cell Therapy?

At the Shin-Yokohama Kato Clinic in Tokyo–Yokohama, Clinic Director Dr. Yoichi Kato has over 20 years of experience in immunocellular therapies and a track record of more than 2,000 clinical immunotherapy cases—making him one of Japan’s most accomplished specialists in the field. Patients contemplating treatment in Japan can begin with an online consultation so that Dr. Kato can review their medical records and overall condition, then determine eligibility for NK cell therapy and develop a personalized treatment plan.

Dr. Yoichi Kato

As a trusted partner of Dr. Kato, Asia Immunotherapy provides comprehensive support services, including:

1. Collecting and compiling medical reports.

2. Arranging online consultations with Dr. Kato.

3. Coordinating travel and accommodation in Japan.

4. Offering airport pick-up and professional interpretation throughout the treatment period.

Through detailed planning and thorough logistics, we help patients receive immunocellular therapy in Japan safely and securely—taking a critical step in the fight against cancer.