Scientists have discovered that electrical currents can enhance the killing power of natural killer (NK) cells, the body's own cancer-fighting immune cells. This groundbreaking finding could lead to new combination therapies for certain types of cancer, particularly glioblastoma, an aggressive brain tumor with a poor survival rate.
The study, published in the journal *Cell Reports Physical Science*, was led by Professor Clair Gardiner from Trinity College Dublin's School of Biochemistry and Immunology, in collaboration with Professor George Malliaras from the University of Cambridge. The researchers investigated the effects of tumor-treating fields (TTF), which mimic the electric currents used in a simple hat worn by patients to treat brain tumors, on NK cell activity.
TTF devices have shown promise in treating brain tumors, but their potential interaction with immunotherapies, like NK cells, remained unclear. The team discovered that TTF exposure not only did not hinder NK cell function, but it actually increased their killing ability.
The study revealed that TTFs did not affect NK cell viability or their production of crucial immunological molecules called cytokines. However, the most exciting finding was that TTF exposure significantly boosted NK cell degranulation, a crucial indicator of their ability to kill cancer cells.
These promising findings suggest that combining TTF therapy with NK cell immunotherapy could offer a powerful new approach for treating glioblastoma. However, further research is needed to confirm these findings and explore their potential for clinical application.
The study highlights the potential of leveraging the body's natural immune system to fight cancer. By understanding the complex interactions between electrical currents, immune cells, and cancer, scientists can develop innovative treatment strategies that offer new hope for patients battling this devastating disease.