TGFßi NK Cell Infusions in Patients with Melanoma Brain Metastases
Kari Kendra, MD, PhD
| Award Type | Established Investigator Award |
|---|---|
| Institution | The Ohio State University |
| Donor Support | In Honor of Cameron Reese Ward |
Brain metastases remain a leading cause of death in patients with metastatic melanoma. One of the most exciting advances in the treatment of CNS metastases was combined checkpoint inhibitors reporting high response rates. Unfortunately, not all respond. Additional pathways to utilize immune mechanisms to clear CNS metastases are needed. Natural killer cells (NK cells) are the first line of defense against tumors since they can work without the need of additional cells or chemical signals. We have developed a novel method to collect NK from donors, grow them to large numbers in a controlled setting to create a cell bank available for multiple treatments, “off the shelf” NK cells. These cells have shown anti-tumor effects throughout the body in addition to penetrating the blood brain barrier and exerting an anti-tumor effect in a pediatric leukemia patient. We have developed a technique used when expanding the universal donor NK cells that confers relative TGFß resistance (UD TGFßi NK cells). Our study, the first study of its kind to use UD TGFßi NK cells against brain metastases, will recruit patients with metastatic melanoma with brain metastases. We will generate preliminary scientific data on how the cells travel in the body, survive, enter the brain, attack malignant cells, and interact with the patient’s immune system. We will also assess the preliminary efficacy of this treatment against melanoma brain metastases patients.