Abstract
SummaryFew approaches have been made toward exploring autologous NK cells in settings of cancer immunotherapy. Here, we demonstrate the feasibility of infusing multiple doses of ex vivo activated and expanded autologous NK cells in patients with multiple myeloma (MM) post-autologous stem cell transplantation. Infused NK cells were detected in circulation up to 4 weeks after the last infusion. Elevations in plasma granzyme B levels were observed following each consecutive NK cell infusion. Moreover, increased granzyme B levels were detected in bone marrow 4 weeks after the last infusion. All measurable patients had objective, detectable responses after NK cell infusions in terms of reduction in M-component and/or minimal residual disease. The present study demonstrates that autologous NK cell-based immunotherapy is feasible in a setting of MM consolidation therapy. It opens up the possibility for usage of autologous NK cells in clinical settings where patients are not readily eligible for allogeneic NK cell-based immunotherapies.
Highlights
Allogeneic natural killer (NK) cell-based immunotherapy strategies currently dominate the field of adoptive NK cell-based cancer immunotherapy.[16]
This, and results from earlier studies,[21,22,23] led to the hypothesis that autologous ex vivo activated and expanded NK cells could be evaluated in clinical settings
Secondary objectives were to assess disease response, measured by monoclonal immunoglobulin levels, serum-free light chain, and minimal residual disease (MRD) according to the international myeloma working group (IMWG) uniform response criteria.[25]
Summary
Allogeneic NK cell-based immunotherapy strategies currently dominate the field of adoptive NK cell-based cancer immunotherapy (see, e.g., Tschan-Plessl et al 2021).[16]. Few studies currently encompass the use of autologous NK cells. The concept of using autologous NK cells, is not new. Adoptive transfer of autologous NK cells to patients with cancer originates from studies in the mid1980s.17. These and a few other attempts with autologous NK cells were met with mixed results at best,[18] at least in part due to the clinical setting in which they were used. Clinical treatment of patients with refractory solid tumors, such
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