WHAT IS NK-CELL THERAPY?

It uses the NK or Natural Killer cells present in the human immune system. Unlike T cells, however, NK cells are not tailored to specific antigens

HOW IT IS ADMINISTERED

MONOCLONAL ANTIBODIES

NK therapy uses monoclonal antibodies to activate these cells, improve their stamina and longevity and direct them to eliminate cancerous cells in the body

PROGRESS SO FAR

Zumutor has developed ZM008, a monoclonal antibody that can target tumour cell receptors blocking NK cell inhibitory signals. This enables NK cell activation and an immune response to cancerous cells

COLD TUMOURS

Cold tumours have low accumulation of immune cells and, unlike hot tumours, respond poorly to drugs that inhibit proteins called checkpoints that often prevent white blood cells from attacking cancer cells. The new therapies help by improving immune cell infiltration

CANCERS IT CAN TREAT

Prostate and pancreas

COST

Rs 20-30 lakh in Europe. Price varies with the product and type of cancer