Researchers at Stanford Medicine and collaborating institutions have developed a strategy to enhance the efficacy of natural killer (NK) cells against solid tumors. The approach involves transforming circulating NK cells into a specialized tissue-resident form that can more effectively infiltrate and destroy cancer cells within solid tumors. According to John Sunwoo, senior author of the study published in Science Translational Medicine, the modified tissue-resident NK cells demonstrated significantly better infiltration into solid tumors compared to conventional NK cells, with the effect being “very reproducible, very striking and very clear” [1].

The experimental therapy was tested in mice, where the modified NK cells slowed the growth of various solid tumors. The therapeutic effect was further amplified when combined with an antibody treatment (cetuximab) that guides NK cells toward cancer cells. A key advantage of NK cells is their low likelihood of triggering immune reactions when transferred between individuals, potentially allowing for the production of the modified cells in large batches, frozen, and made available to many patients—an “off-the-shelf drug” that could broaden access to cell therapy [1]. Sunwoo and his colleagues are preparing a Phase I clinical trial to test this combination therapy in patients with advanced squamous cell carcinoma, pending FDA approval [1].

References
[1] Supercharged “natural killer” cells could be a powerful new cancer weapon. ScienceDaily. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/08/260824065546.htm

This is a summary. Read the original at sciencedaily.com.