Natural Killer cells for clinical use (in breast cancer)
This project brought together scientists from Maastricht University, Utrecht University, and the biotech company CiMaas in a new public-private partnership to develop better treatments for cancer using Natural Killer (NK) cells. NK cells are a type of white blood cell that can naturally detect and destroy cancer cells. The team aimed to make NK cell treatments suitable for clinical use, especially in breast cancer, and explored advanced technologies like Chimeric-antigen-receptor (CAR) -NK cells and antibody combinations to boost their effect.
Cancer remains a major health challenge in the Netherlands, with breast cancer being the most common cancer in women. Each year, about 17,000 women in the Netherlands are diagnosed with breast cancer. Despite improvements in care, recurring tumors are difficult to treat. Innovative therapies that use the immune system—like NK cells—are urgently needed to offer new hope for patients and reduce the burden on the healthcare system.
The project developed a safe and standardized way to grow NK cells in the lab. The team also tested how NK cells can be improved with genetic techniques chimeric-antigen- receptor(CAR-NK) and in combination with targeted antibodies. These combinations showed increased ability to kill cancer cells in laboratory models of breast cancer and pancreatic cancer. Importantly, all steps were taken to make the process suitable for future clinical trials, including manufacturing in cleanrooms and quality testing (good manufacturing practice; GMP)
The result of this 41-month collaboration includes a working manufacturing process, (granted) patents, and new insights into how NK cells can be used in cancer treatment. The project laid the foundation for future clinical applications and ongoing collaboration between public and private partners in immunotherapy innovation.
