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Strategies for the Development of NK Cell-Based Therapies for Cancer Treatment

Tatiana Budagova1, Anna Efremova1, Margarita Maiak1

  • 1Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution Research Centre for Medical Genetics, Moskvorechye Str. 1, Moscow 115522, Russia.

Cells
|December 10, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Chimeric antigen receptor natural killer (CAR-NK) cells offer a safer alternative to CAR-T cell therapy for cancer treatment. Research is advancing CAR-NK cell modifications and clinical trials show promising results for future approvals.

Area of Science:

  • Immunotherapy
  • Oncology
  • Cellular Therapy

Background:

  • CAR-T cell therapy shows promise but has limitations.
  • CAR-NK cells are being explored as a safer alternative.
  • Genetic modifications aim to enhance CAR cell effectiveness.

Purpose of the Study:

  • Analyze current CAR-NK cell modification strategies.
  • Review clinical trial outcomes for CAR-NK therapies.
  • Discuss the potential of CAR-NK cells in cancer treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Categorizing NK cell modification approaches into three groups: enhancing cytotoxicity, improving survival/persistence, and increasing safety.
  • Analyzing existing literature on CAR-NK cell modifications.
  • Compiling and reviewing data from ongoing clinical trials.

Main Results:

  • CAR-NK cell modification strategies focus on boosting antitumor activity, prolonging persistence, and enhancing safety.
  • Early-stage clinical trials (Phase 1-2) show positive outcomes across various tumor types.
  • The number of CAR-NK cell clinical trials is steadily increasing.

Conclusions:

  • CAR-NK cell therapy represents a promising advancement in cancer treatment.
  • Ongoing research and clinical trials suggest potential for near-future product approval.
  • CAR-NK cells offer a potentially safer and effective immunotherapeutic option.
Keywords:
CAR-NKIL-15/IL-15Rαclinical trialshnCD16immune checkpointssafety switches

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