Researchers are investigating NK cells for treating liver cancer

Researchers are investigating NK cells for treating liver cancer

Researchers at the University of Southampton are investigating the best way to use natural killer cells for the treatment of hepatocarcinoma, the most common form of liver cancer. Natural killer cells are cells of the immune system and are currently used in the treatment of other cancers, especially cancers of the blood.

Natural killer cells are involved in innate immunity of the body. In other words, they react immediately when the body come in contact with viruses, bacteria and fight against microorganisms that can cause infection in the body. Moreover, they are involved in the control of tumor cell replication. Therefore, researchers have thought that natural killer cells can be manipulated to destroy tumor cells of HCC.

Microscope Research

Dr. Salim Khakoo, Professor of Hepatology, said that HCC represents about 90% of all liver primitive cancers  and it is a  cancer difficult to treat. He and his team are trying to find a method that uses natural killer cells in order to treat  HCC. In other words, the study will be based on immunotherapy. Researchers will try to stimulate natural killer cells in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma by several methods: either by  the use of chemical stimulants or use of antibodies that activate natural killer cells. All that researchers is to find the best method of activation of natural killer cells to use in order to destroy tumor cells.

HCC, the most common form of liver cancer primitive, almost always develop on a cirrhosis. It seems that HCC is the result of malignant degeneration of regenerative nodules in cirrhosis. Of course, apart from cirrhosis there are other causes, such as hepatitis C and B viruses, exposure to certain toxic compounds, etc.. Other less important causes are primary biliary cirrhosis, haemochromatosis, alcohol consumption, smoking.

HCC symptoms are not specific. When there is a pre-existent chronic liver disease, the patient may start feeling worse because  jaundice or ascites may appear. Other symptoms of HCC are right upper quadrant pain, bloating, anorexia, early satiety. Of course, there are also symptoms such as fatigue, weight loss, weakness etc. Other signs that can occur are due to metastasis to the lung, bones etc. It should be noted that symptoms such as poliglobulia, hypercalcemia, high blood pressure, cutaneous manifestations, may occur due to paraneoplastic manifestations.
In terms of treatment, it must be noted that treatment is chosen according to tumor stage and patient’s condition. If it is possible, the tumor can be surgically removed. Besides surgical resection, there are other ways of destroying or shrinking the tumor: radio-frequency ablation, chemoembolization, radiation, cryosurgery, etc..