Researchers have found that electrical currents might enhance the effectiveness of Natural Killer (NK) cells, which are vital immune cells that attack cancer. This discovery could lead to breakthroughs in how we treat certain types of cancer. The researchers examined Tumour Treating Fields (TTF) in laboratory settings, which replicate the effects of electric currents on brain tumors using a simple cap that patients wear. This method prompted an even stronger attack from NK cells. The researchers are optimistic that their findings could pave the way for innovative combination therapies for patients suffering from specific brain tumors like glioblastoma.
Researchers have discovered that electrical currents might enhance the effectiveness of Natural Killer (NK) cells, which are vital immune cells that attack cancer. This discovery could lead to breakthroughs in how we treat certain types of cancer.
The research team found that TTF, which simulates the effect of electric currents on brain tumors, triggered a more lethal reaction from NK cells. They are hopeful that these encouraging results could lead to new combined therapies for those facing certain brain cancers, such as glioblastoma.
Glioblastoma is a particularly aggressive type of brain cancer known for its dismal survival rates. Treatment often requires a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, but the cancer frequently relapses. Therefore, there is an urgent need for new treatment strategies.
A recent study published in the prestigious journal Cell Reports Physical Science investigated the influence of TTF devices on the performance of NK cells, which are used in immunotherapy for several cancers. The study was headed by Prof. Clair Gardiner from Trinity’s School of Biochemistry and Immunology, in partnership with engineer Prof. George Malliaras from the University of Cambridge.
Prof. Gardiner, who works at the Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, commented, “Immunotherapies have led to better outcomes for various cancer types and show great promise for challenging cancers; however, a combination of treatment methods may ultimately be needed for the best results for patients.”
“There is little understanding of whether TTFs can successfully be integrated with immunotherapies, or if they could potentially hinder the effectiveness of immunotherapy. Nonetheless, our findings are promising as they demonstrate that TTFs had little negative impact on NK cells while enhancing their effectiveness as cancer killers.”
Specifically, the research indicated that TTF exposure did not affect the viability of NK cells or their production of “cytokines,” which are vital signaling molecules produced by NK cells. More importantly, the study noted an increase in NK cell degranulation, indicating improved cancer-killing activity.
The team plans to further investigate these findings, with Prof. Gardiner adding: “Additional research is necessary, yet the results suggest that combining TTF with NK cell treatments could provide significant benefits, and may lead to a novel dual-modality treatment option for glioblastoma patients.”
