(Ovarian Cancer) Cancer Treatment Using Immune Cells Derived from iPS Cells
Medical Supporter — Information Notice
This article is a summary of international medical information and is not medical advice; it cannot replace the diagnosis or treatment plan of your attending physician. The medical technologies, drug information and clinical data presented here are compiled from public literature and official statements of major Japanese medical institutions; the applicability and outcome of any therapy vary with each patient and must be assessed individually by a qualified physician.
On November 11, 2021, research teams from the National Cancer Center and Kyoto University's Institute for Advanced Medical Research announced via an online conference that they have begun treating patients with special immune cells derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS cells) for cancer treatment.
The trial involved inserting genes that respond to proteins specific to ovarian cancer into iPS cells, cultivating them into special NK cells that can recognize ovarian cancer.
These NK cells can effectively attack ovarian cancer cells while having a lower likelihood of attacking normal cells, making it possible to expect fewer adverse events.
The trial will be conducted in 18 patients with inoperable, progressive ovarian cancer that has spread to the abdomen. Treatment will be administered once weekly, up to four times, to assess safety.
As of September of this year, a patient in their 50s had already received three treatments with no abnormalities detected.
Last year, a research group from RIKEN and others also conducted cancer treatment using immune cells derived from iPS cells.
Dr. Toshihiko Doi, Director of Advanced Medical Research at the National Cancer Center East Hospital, stated: "We will first confirm the safety of the trial, then establish rules for cell storage and transportation, and accelerate the practical application process."
Source: https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20211111/k10013344201000.html
Medical Supporter was formerly certified as an international medical visa guarantor by Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (B-066).
Considering medical care in Japan? Need information and support?
We help you organize the information needed for medical travel to Japan, liaise with Japanese medical institutions, and arrange a second-opinion consultation.The first consultation is free; an advisor will help you clarify the next steps.
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
Figure 4