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NK cell immunotherapy shows 35% response rate in relapsed AML—but needs improvement in persistence.

Systematic review of 29 phase 1-2 trials of non-engineered NK cell adoptive transfer in AML found: pooled 35% response rate in R/R AML (217 patients; 11 studies); 82% 1-year DFS in low-/intermediate-risk AML in remission; 40% 1-year DFS when combined with haploidentical HSCT. Toxicities were mild;…

Dan Manning

Dan Manning

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NK cell immunotherapy shows 35% response rate in relapsed AML—but needs improvement in persistence.

NK cell immunotherapy shows 35% response rate in relapsed AML—but needs improvement in persistence.

Systematic review of 29 phase 1-2 trials of non-engineered NK cell adoptive transfer in AML found: pooled 35% response rate in R/R AML (217 patients; 11 studies); 82% 1-year DFS in low-/intermediate-risk AML in remission; 40% 1-year DFS when combined with haploidentical HSCT. Toxicities were mild; GVHD rates were low. NK cell persistence remained short.

Key Findings

  • 35% pooled response rate in R/R AML receiving NK cell monotherapy
  • 82% 1-year DFS in low/intermediate-risk AML in remission (3 studies)
  • 40% 1-year DFS in NK + haploidentical HSCT studies (9 studies)
  • Low GVHD rates (0-8%); generally mild toxicities
  • NK persistence is short—improves with multiple infusions and CIML approaches

Implications

Allogeneic NK cell therapy is safe and clinically promising, particularly for patients ineligible for intensive therapy or HSCT. Optimization of persistence and activity through engineering is the key research priority.

Caveats

Systematic review of early-phase trials; abstract-only. High heterogeneity in study designs. Current use should remain limited to clinical trials.

Source: Frontiers in immunology — 2026-01-01

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