Introduction: Unstable human artery plaques can suddenly rupture, leading to MI or stroke.

A new study identifies genetic modifications that make natural killer cells more effective at destroying cancer cells. ...

CAR-NK immunotherapy, Crispr-engineered nk cells, Cytokine-armored nk cells, iPSC-derived nk platforms, Tumor microenvironment resistance

Background: Natural killer (NK)/T-cell lymphoma (NKTL) is a rare malignancy of mature NK/T-cells, predominantly found in Asian and South/Central American populations, with limited studies conducted in Europe and the United States. Objective: The aim of this study is to present an overview of the incidence rate, demographic and clinical characteristics, treatment options, overall survival (OS), and factors influencing OS of NKTL in the United States. Methods: We utilized data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) 17 database to analyze NKTL cases recorded between 2000 and 2020. In a cohort of 1162 NKTL patients, we calculated the incidence rates and performed statistical analyses to evaluate OS, the effect of radiotherapy and chemotherapy on survival, and lymphoma-specific survival. Results: The mean annual incidence rate of NKTL in the United States was 0.067 per 100,000, with higher rates observed in men compared to women, and an increase noted with age. However, there has been no significant rise in incidence over recent years. Significant racial disparities were observed, with higher incidence rates in Non-Hispanic Asian or Pacific Islanders (NHAPI) and Hispanics. The median survival time for NKTL patients was 21 months, with a 5-year overall survival (OS) rate of 39.5%, which has shown improvement in recent years. Key independent prognostic factors impacting patient survival included age at diagnosis, clinical stage, nasal type presentation, presence of systemic symptoms, and treatment modality. Patients receiving combined radiotherapy and chemotherapy exhibited the best outcomes, with a median OS of 138 months and a 5-year OS rate of 58%. This survival benefit remained consistent even in stage I/localized nasal type patients, achieving a 5-year OS rate of 73.3%. Conclusions: The incidence of NKTL has remained stable in recent years. Patients with the nasal type generally experience better survival outcomes. The use of combined radiotherapy and chemotherapy appears to enhance survival, though further validation through prospective multicenter clinical trials is necessary.

Statement of Significance This review highlights the promise of CAR NK cell therapy as a safer, off-the-shelf alternative to CAR-T cells for solid tumors.

An international team of researchers describes how the immune cells of older adults with a history of endurance exercise are more effective against inflammation. ...

Stem-cell-derived chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) natural killer cells show potential for treating B-cell lymphomas and could make future cellular immunotherapies less expensive and more accessible to patients. ...

Scientists in Brazil are refining the design of CAR-engineered immune cells to make them more precise and powerful against cancer.

A new approach emerges.