NK (Natural Killer) Cell Therapy Malaysia: Price and Review 2023
What are Natural Killer Cells?
Natural killer (NK) cells, a specific type of white blood cell, are an important component of your innate immune system. Your immune system consists of two different branches — cell-mediated immunity (innate) and humoral immunity (adaptive). When you contract a viral disease, the pathogen enters your body and infects your cells.The subsequent disease process involves your cell-mediated immune response, which activates your NK cells, along with chemicals that attract them to the site of infection, where the white blood cells basically chew up and spit out the infected cells. This process clears the virus and rejuvenates the gel-like water inside your cells.
During recovery, your humoral immune system kicks in and starts generating antibodies against the virus to help prevent the same kind of disease process and symptoms from occurring again, should you be exposed to the same virus later on. As long as your cell-mediated immune system is activated first and the humoral immune system is activated second, you will have long-lasting immunity against that pathogen.
On a side note, naturally acquired herd immunity in a population comes into play when a very high percentage of individuals have gone through this sequence of cell-mediated and humoral immune response.
NK cells also recognize damaged and stressed cells which are called to elimination via NK cells. Healthy cells contain receptors such as MHC 1 molecules which prevent destruction via NK cells. Damaged or malignant cells lack this receptor and are prone to destruction. Due to their capability to destroy poorly performing cells, NK can play a major role in therapy for infections and cancers. Once NK cells encounter the same infection or virus again, they attack stronger , rendering these cells a valuable source for therapy. This article will focus on NK cells and their source and how modern medicine is using this to treat cancers and infections today.
NK cells are involved in both viral disease and diseases such as cancer and
autoimmune conditions. As explained in one
2008 paper on the functions of NK cells:
"NK cells are effector lymphocytes of the innate immune system that control several types of tumors and microbial infections by limiting their spread and subsequent tissue damage … NK cells are also regulatory cells engaged in reciprocal interactions with dendritic cells, macrophages, T cells and endothelial cells. NK cells can thus limit or exacerbate immune responses.
Although NK cells might appear to be redundant in several conditions of immune challenge in humans, NK cell manipulation seems to hold promise in efforts to improve hematopoietic and solid organ transplantation, promote antitumor immunotherapy and control inflammatory and autoimmune disorders."
Natural killer cells are our best and most innate form of defense since birth. However, for some, these cells may not work as much or are not available in those affected with cancers and certain viral infections. With the progression of medicine and research, the ability to understand and collect natural killer cells for therapy has increased. This makes it available for patient seeking therapy for poor or weakened immune systems without much harm. Though it is not a 'magic pill' and a full cure for most diseases, it is a step in the right direction of treating malignant cells we once thought were not quickly destroyable.
There is no one-size fits all solution for NK cell therapy. We will need to assess every individual and pre-qualify them for a personalised recommendation.
NK Cell Malaysia has many partner centres in Klang Valley i.e. Mid Valley City, Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur, Subang Jaya Medical Centre, Life Care Medical Centre, Assunta Hospital, Petaling Jaya, Shah Alam and Kajang.
Natural killer (NK) cells are a type of lymphoid cell that functions in the innate immune system to remove infected or cancerous self cells with fewer side effects. Our primary goal is to provide every patient who is diagnosed with cancer with the chance to heal and recover.
"NK cells are effector lymphocytes of the innate immune system that control several types of tumors and microbial infections by limiting their spread and subsequent tissue damage … NK cells are also regulatory cells engaged in reciprocal interactions with dendritic cells, macrophages, T cells and endothelial cells. NK cells can thus limit or exacerbate immune responses.
Although NK cells might appear to be redundant in several conditions of immune challenge in humans, NK cell manipulation seems to hold promise in efforts to improve hematopoietic and solid organ transplantation, promote antitumor immunotherapy and control inflammatory and autoimmune disorders."
Benefits and Side Effects of Transfusing NK Cells
In terms of benefits, NK cells are the hardest to produce in the body, so transfusing a large amount automatically strengthens the patient’s immune system. The cells are quicker and attack any abnormal cell immediately after transfusion. The NK cells not only eliminate but prevent the reoccurrence of such viral or cancer cells because of it’s stronger memory for attack. Though it must be known this is not a full or sure cure for cancer but a great adjunct with other therapeutic agents given to a patient. Those with viral and other diseases also benefit the same but must continue taking other medicines prescribed. Side effects are minimal for the patient. It is not painful, the patient may feel some fatigue or nausea but does not have to be hospitalized or rested. Some patients, usually a small percentage may reject the cells given even after careful selection so if any fever, rash or vomiting occurs, they must contact their doctor immediately.Natural killer cells are our best and most innate form of defense since birth. However, for some, these cells may not work as much or are not available in those affected with cancers and certain viral infections. With the progression of medicine and research, the ability to understand and collect natural killer cells for therapy has increased. This makes it available for patient seeking therapy for poor or weakened immune systems without much harm. Though it is not a 'magic pill' and a full cure for most diseases, it is a step in the right direction of treating malignant cells we once thought were not quickly destroyable.
Find NK Cell Centres in Malaysia
1. Stem Cell Malaysia (SCM)
NK Cell Therapy Malaysia Working Group (NKM) is a network of specially trained multi-disciplined medical doctors, researchers and specialists, providing advanced, research-driven, regenerative medicine, integrative medicine and lifestyle medicine in Malaysia.There is no one-size fits all solution for NK cell therapy. We will need to assess every individual and pre-qualify them for a personalised recommendation.
NK Cell Malaysia has many partner centres in Klang Valley i.e. Mid Valley City, Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur, Subang Jaya Medical Centre, Life Care Medical Centre, Assunta Hospital, Petaling Jaya, Shah Alam and Kajang.
WhatsApp us for a Free Tele-Consultation: +60 11 - 8888 5062
2. 23C Healthcare
Transfer of Biotechnology From China National Stem Cell Bank to
23Century International Life Science Centre Malaysia since 2018.
23 Century Group is a pioneer status high-tech corporate group major
in cell manufacturing. The group's biotechnology partner, Beike
Biotechnology Co. Ltd, has more than twenty years experience in the
development of stem cell therapies and their associated clinical
applications, holding 67 patents in China and internationally.
With the advanced cell preparation expertise, 23 Century Group is
currently the owner of a CGMP cell preparation laboratory in Malaysia.
It will also be synchronised to more than 30 laboratories throughout
China.
The group has jointly formed cooperation with more than 400 domestic
and overseas research and medical institutions, published in more than
50 journals. Their aim is to promote health by providing hope and cell
therapy to patients who suffer from diseases which are incurable from
current clinical practices.
23 Century Group has various partner centres in Klang Valley.
WhatsApp us for a Free Tele-Consultation: +60 11 - 8888 5062
3. NK Biocell Sdn Bhd
Advanced cancer treatment center focusing on immunotherapy – a treatment that boosts the body’s immune system to fight and prevent cancer using natural killer cells.Natural killer (NK) cells are a type of lymphoid cell that functions in the innate immune system to remove infected or cancerous self cells with fewer side effects. Our primary goal is to provide every patient who is diagnosed with cancer with the chance to heal and recover.
Related: MYJ1633 and NK Biocell Sdn Bhd
If you are in doubt which NK cell therapy centre to go, please feel free
to contact us for assistance.
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Category / Check out more related articles: Stem Cell
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