Cancer Treatment (Using NK Cells)
Steps Involved in IVF:
Procedure Description
Natural Killer (NK) cell therapy is a groundbreaking immunotherapy for cancer treatment. NK cells are a type of lymphocyte, a part of the body's innate immune system, playing a pivotal role in identifying and destroying cancer cells and virus-infected cells. Unlike other immune cells, NK cells can recognize and eliminate abnormal cells without prior sensitization, making them a potent tool in cancer therapy.
In NK cell therapy, the patient's own NK cells or those from a compatible donor are isolated, expanded, and activated in a laboratory setting before being reintroduced into the patient’s body. The process aims to enhance the quantity and functionality of these cells, thereby enabling the immune system to target and destroy cancer cells more effectively. The procedure is highly specific and can be used in conjunction with other treatments like chemotherapy or radiation or as a stand-alone therapy, depending on the cancer type and its stage.
The mechanism of action of NK cells involves the identification of stressed or abnormal cells, such as tumor cells, through activating and inhibitory receptors. Once identified, the NK cells release cytotoxic granules, leading to the targeted destruction of cancerous cells. This selective ability to attack malignant cells without harming normal cells is what makes NK cell therapy a promising approach in the fight against cancer.
Procedure Duration
The process of NK cell therapy involves several stages, each contributing to the effectiveness of the treatment. The initial stage involves a comprehensive assessment to evaluate the patient's health status, cancer type, and suitability for NK cell therapy. This phase may include a series of diagnostic tests to understand the progression of the disease.
Once approved for treatment, the NK cells are isolated from the patient’s blood or from a donor's blood through leukapheresis. This process typically takes a few hours, during which the blood is drawn, and NK cells are separated and collected. The isolated cells are then cultured and activated in a laboratory over a period of 1-2 weeks to ensure an adequate number of functional NK cells for effective treatment.
After the expansion phase, the patient undergoes an infusion of these activated NK cells. This part of the procedure is relatively short, lasting just a few hours. However, multiple infusions may be necessary over several weeks, depending on the patient's response and treatment plan. Recovery and monitoring periods vary but generally last a few weeks to months, with regular follow-up visits to evaluate the therapy’s effectiveness and manage any side effects.
Benefits of NK Cell Therapy for Cancer
- Targeted Immune Response: NK cells are trained to specifically identify and destroy cancer cells, reducing damage to normal tissues.
- Compatibility with Other Treatments: The therapy can be combined with chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery to enhance overall treatment efficacy.
- Minimal Side Effects: Compared to other cancer treatments, NK cell therapy generally has fewer side effects due to its targeted approach.
- Boost to Immune System: This therapy not only targets cancer cells but also boosts the patient's overall immune system, offering a stronger defense against recurrence.
- Personalized Therapy: The treatment is tailored to each patient, considering their cancer type, stage, and individual immune response.
Potential Destinations for NK Cell Therapy
- Japan: Known for its advanced biotechnology and immunotherapy research, Japan offers cutting-edge facilities and expertise in NK cell therapy. The country's healthcare system emphasizes personalized medicine and boasts a strong record of cancer treatment success.
- Germany: Germany is a pioneer in innovative cancer therapies, including NK cell treatment. With well-established regulations, state-of-the-art medical facilities, and experienced healthcare professionals, Germany is an ideal destination for patients seeking quality care and advanced cancer treatments.
- South Korea: With its highly developed medical infrastructure and world-class research in immunotherapy, South Korea is a popular choice for NK cell therapy. The country is known for integrating holistic care, advanced technology, and affordability, making it a top destination for medical tourists.
- United States: As a leader in cancer research and clinical trials, the U.S. offers cutting-edge NK cell therapy options. With numerous specialized cancer centers and personalized treatment approaches, patients can benefit from some of the most advanced therapeutic methods and technologies available.
- China: China has made significant advancements in immunotherapy, including NK cell treatment. With a focus on personalized cancer care and a wide network of hospitals and research centers, China provides both quality and innovation in cancer treatments at competitive costs.
Risks & Considerations of NK Cell Therapy
- Immunological Reactions: As with any cell-based therapy, there is a potential risk of immune system reactions, including fever, chills, and in rare cases, more severe responses like cytokine release syndrome.
- Infection Risk: Since the procedure involves manipulating immune cells, there is a risk of infection either from the infusion process or during the expansion of cells in the lab.
- Tumor Progression or Resistance: While NK cell therapy can be highly effective, in some cases, cancer cells may develop resistance or the therapy may not halt tumor progression, requiring alternative treatments.
- Side Effects from Donor Cells: If donor NK cells are used, there is a risk of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), where the donor cells attack the patient's healthy tissues.
- Cost and Accessibility: NK cell therapy can be expensive, and not all insurance plans cover it. Additionally, access to this treatment may be limited based on geographic location and regulatory approval in different countries.
How to Choose the Right Doctor and Hospital
When seeking NK cell therapy for cancer, it’s crucial to select a medical professional and facility with the appropriate expertise and accreditation in immunotherapy. Look for a healthcare provider with extensive experience in performing NK cell treatments and an established track record of success. Additionally, ensure that the doctor is board-certified in oncology or immunology and has access to a well-equipped laboratory for cell expansion and activation.
Choose a hospital that is recognized for its excellence in cancer care and immunotherapy. Look for facilities with state-of-the-art equipment, an in-house research department, and affiliations with reputable cancer research organizations. It’s also beneficial to review patient testimonials and success rates of NK cell treatments at the hospital to make an informed decision.
To receive a free quote for this procedure please click on the link: https://www.medicaltourism.com/get-a-quote
Patients are advised to seek hospitals that are accredited by Global Healthcare and only work with medical tourism facilitators who are certified by Global Healthcare Accreditation or who have undergone certification from the Certified Medical Travel Professionals (CMTP). This ensures that the highest standards in the industry are met. GHA accredits the top hospitals in the world. These are the best hospitals in the world for quality and providing the best patient experience. Click the link to check out hospitals accredited by the Global Healthcare Accreditation: https://www.globalhealthcareaccreditation.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What actually happens during hyperstimulation of the ovaries?
The patient will take injectable FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) for eight to eleven days, depending on how long the follicles take to mature. This hormone is produced naturally in a woman’s body causing one egg to develop per cycle. Taking the injectable FSH causes several follicles to develop at once, at approximately the same rate. The development is monitored with vaginal ultrasounds and following the patient’s levels of estradiol and progesterone. FSH brand names include Repronex, Follistim, Menopur, Gonal-F and Bravelle. The patient injects herself daily.
What happens during egg retrieval?
When the follicles have developed enough to be harvested, the patient attends an appointment where she is anesthetized and prepared for the procedure. Next, the doctor uses an ultrasound probe to guide a needle through the vaginal wall and into the follicle of the ovary. The thin needle draws the follicle fluid, which is then examined by an embryologist to find the eggs. The whole process takes about 20 minutes.
What happens to the eggs?
In the next step, the harvested eggs are then fertilized. If the sperm from the potential father, or in some cases, anonymous donor, has normal functionality, the eggs and sperm are placed together in a dish with a nutrient fluid, then incubated overnight to fertilize normally. If the sperm functionality is suboptimal, an embryologist uses Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection to inject a single sperm into a single egg with an extremely precise glass needle. Once fertilization is complete, the embryos are assessed and prepared to be transferred to the patient’s uterus.
How are the embryos transferred back to the uterus?
The doctor and the patient will discuss the number of embryos to be transferred. The number of successfully fertilized eggs usually determines the number of eggs to be placed in the uterus. Embryos are transferred to the uterus with transabdominal ultrasound guidance. This process does not require anesthesia, but it can cause minor cervical or uterine discomfort. Following transfer, the patient is advised to take at least one days bed rest and two or three additional days of rest, then 10 to 12 days later, two pregnancy tests are scheduled to confirm success. Once two positive tests are completed, an obstetrical ultrasound is ordered to show the sac, fetal pole, yolk sac and fetal heart rate.
Embryoscope©
Built into this technology there is a microscope with a powerful camera that allows the uninterrupted monitoring of the embryo during its first hours of life. In this way, we can keep a close eye on the embryo, from the moment when the oocyte is inseminated and begins to divide into smaller and smaller cells, until it can be transferred to the uterus.
Orthopedics Stem Cell
Knee
Research on mesenchymal stem cells regenerative properties in knee osteoarthritis. In these studies, researchers suggest that Stem Cell Therapy has the potential to regenerate lost cartilage, stop and reverse cartilage degeneration, provide pain relief, and improve patient mobility.
Shoulder
Stem Cell Therapy as an Alternative to Rotator Cuff & Shoulder Replacement Surgery. Stem cell therapy may offer an excellent alternative for patients looking to avoid shoulder joint replacement surgery, as well as many other surgical treatments for shoulder pain.
Ankle
If you suffer from chronic or acute ankle pain or instability due to arthritis, cartilage loss, ligament strain or tear, or tendon damage, then you may benefit from non-surgical stem cell treatments or stem cell-enhanced surgery.
Back Pain
Patients now have a minimally invasive option. Stem cell therapy for back pain and disc herniations can potentially repair the damaged disc or facet joint, restore function, rehydrate the disc, and ultimately alleviate chronic pain.
Anti-Aging Stem Cell
Hair Loss
Stem cell therapy and PRP therapy have been shown to be most effective for: Those in the early stages of hair loss, patients who are not viable candidates for surgery and women who prefer to avoid hair surgery.
Facial Anti-Aging
Aesthetic Anti-Aging. The Aesthetic Stem Cell Localized Treatment is a non-surgical minimally invasive procedure to enhance the appearance of aging skin and hair restoration. This all-natural technique combines dermal injections of bone marrow or adipose tissue derived stem cells and growth factors.
Fertility Stem Cell
Endometrial PRP
The stem cells used for treatment of a thin endometrium include mesenchymal stem cells. In addition, successful repair of the endometrium in pregnancy with stem cells has been reported previously.
Low Ovarian Reserve (PRP)
The treatment uses PRP (Platelet-Rich-Plasma), which with stem cell therapy is the novel therapeutic approach for restoring the quality of the ovarian reserve.Your PRP will contain a physiologic balance of platelets, growth factors and white blood cells tailored specifically for you.
Punta Mita Hospital
Mexico
Punta Mita Hospital - Genesis Cell
Mexico
