PREVENTIVE
MEDICINE
NK cell therapy (cancer)
ABOUT
About NK Cell Therapy
NK cells find and attack senescent cells early,
with strong potential for those undergoing cancer treatment.
Senescent cells, considered a root cause of aging, would normally be cleared by our own immune cells. When immune cells fall short, however, they turn into zombie cells, releasing aging factors (SASPs) and inflammatory factors that affect the whole body.
NK cell therapy is an autoimmune treatment that finds virus-infected cells and cancer cells early, with the aim of removing senescent and precancerous cells.
NK (natural killer) cells are substantially expanded and activated outside the body and then returned, which is expected to produce a strong therapeutic effect.
We see patients at a range of stages, including those with cancer recurrence or metastasis.
Because the NK cells themselves are cultured from the patient's own blood, the treatment is gentle on the body and safe.
It is widely recognized that NK cell therapy helps build a body less prone to illness.
On the aesthetic side, the improved blood flow this therapy brings activates skin cell function, which is expected to improve metabolism and normalize skin turnover.
Through these effects it is considered to improve skin quality, clarity and aging care.
RECOMMENDED
Who It Is For
◎ Those who want to clear the cells that cause aging
◎ Those interested in preventing cancer and infection
◎ Those who want to strengthen the cells in their body and stay healthy
EFFECTS
Effects of NK Cell Therapy
◎ Cancer treatment and prevention of recurrence
◎ Aging care for cells throughout the body
◎ Clearer skin and improved skin quality
FLOW
The Process
Consultation and blood draw for infectious disease testing (8 ml)
Blood drawn for culture requires special handling, so for reasons of advance preparation it cannot be taken at your first visit.
Blood draw for culture (50 ml)
At your second visit we draw the blood to be used for culture.
The blood drawn is cultured and administered at your next visit.
NK cell administration
This takes about 30 to 60 minutes.
Please note that this treatment cannot be given to those with HIV or HTLV (human T-cell leukemia virus).
BANKING
NK cell cryopreservation banking
How It Works
We explain what the treatment involves, the purpose of storing the cells, and how they may be used.
Blood is drawn for use in culture.
It is processed the same day at the affiliated Specified Cell-Processing Facility within the clinic, according to its intended use.
The blood to be used for culture is centrifuged and the nutrients needed for cell growth are carefully extracted.
The blood is then processed and centrifuged again to separate the NK cell fraction from the nutrient fraction.
Further advanced steps isolate the NK cells, which are then frozen and stored long term at minus 196°C.
The stored NK cells can be considered for use in future cell therapy or immune cell therapy.
Why an NK cell bank is needed
One in two people in Japan will develop cancer at some point in their lives.
Once cancer develops, immune cells no longer function normally.
Chemotherapy and radiotherapy then reduce immunity substantially.
So storing healthy immune cells to "be ready" protects the you of the future.
NK cells taken while you are well work powerfully and have the capacity to fight cancer.
Freezing and storing them is the best way to protect your future self.
The storage period is ten years.
If cancer is found in the future, immune cells are expanded to hundreds of millions in a specialized culture facility and administered, so that immune cells from when you were well fight the cancer.
NK cells are frozen and stored long term at minus 196°C.
Should you develop cancer in the future, these cells can be expanded and administered as a treatment with few side effects.
NK cells are cultured and stored at the affiliated Specified Cell-Processing Facility within the clinic.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
PatientI am worried about side effects — is it safe?
PhysicianBecause your own cells are used, safety is high, though a fever can occasionally occur after administration.
PatientI hear this is often used in cancer treatment — is it really good for beauty too?
PhysicianNK (natural killer) cells are primitive cells with the property of attacking anything they recognize as foreign, cancer cells included. Because they also attack the cells that cause aging, we recommend NK cell therapy to those who want to approach anti-aging at the cellular level.
PatientIf it is also used in cancer treatment, is it covered by insurance?
PhysicianNK cell therapy (immune cell therapy) is not yet covered by insurance, so public insurance does not apply and it is a self-funded treatment.
PatientCan I have it at the same time as other treatments?
PhysicianYes. If you are receiving treatment at another clinic, please check with the doctor responsible for your care.