A novel cell therapy using engineered natural killer cells from donor umbilical cord blood achieved long-term remission in a patient with high-risk relapsed multiple myeloma, according to a report from Health Usnews. This phase I clinical trial represents a potential shift in how doctors approach refractory blood cancers.
Carl Burgman, a patient who first experienced spinal compression fractures in 2008, was diagnosed with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS). By February 28, 2018, his condition progressed to multiple myeloma. Despite undergoing chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant, Burgman experienced repeated relapses, leaving him with few standard treatment options.
The treatment uses natural killer (NK) cells, a component of the immune system, which scientists reprogram with a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) to identify and destroy cancer cells. Unlike CAR-T therapy, which requires harvesting and manufacturing a patient’s own cells, this "off-the-shelf" approach uses donor cells from a cord blood bank. This reduces the wait time for treatment and carries a lower risk of graft-versus-host disease.
During the phase I trial, Burgman received a single 3.8cc infusion of these engineered cells. Researchers monitored him in the hospital for 15 days, during which he reported no side effects. A month after the infusion, doctors could no longer detect myeloma in his bone marrow. Two years later, he remains in complete remission.
Katayoun Rezvani, who leads the research team at MD Anderson.
The researchers encountered a technical hurdle in July 2026, when they discovered that some undeveloped NK cells were absorbing protein from cancer cells. This caused the engineered cells to inadvertently target healthy tissue. The team addressed this by filtering out the immature cells during the manufacturing process to maintain the therapy’s precision.
Ongoing studies are now evaluating whether this method can be applied to other cancers, including leukemia, lymphoma, and solid tumors. While the initial results are promising, the therapy remains in the clinical trial phase and has not yet received Food and Drug Administration approval for commercial use.
How does CAR-NK therapy differ from CAR-T therapy?
CAR-T therapy requires harvesting and genetically modifying a patient’s own T cells, a process that takes weeks to complete. CAR-NK therapy uses pre-manufactured donor cells, allowing for immediate administration and a lower risk of severe immune reactions.
Who is eligible for these clinical trials?
Participation is generally limited to patients with relapsed or refractory blood cancers, such as multiple myeloma, who have exhausted standard treatment options. Candidates must also meet specific health criteria and have cancer cells that test positive for the targeted proteins.
What are the common side effects?
In early trials, the treatment has been well-tolerated. Some patients may experience mild, flu-like symptoms or temporary fluctuations in blood cell counts, but these are generally less severe than those associated with traditional CAR-T therapies.
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