Don M. Benson, Jr., M.D., Ph.D. Ohio State University

TRANSPLANTATION/IMMUNE RECONSTITUTION

Characterization and enhancement of natural killer cell immunity in CLL: a potential, novel therapeutic option

Update:

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia is associated with severe dysfunction in the overall immune system. Patients often suffer recurrent infections and other complications from this effect. Moreover, this process impairs a patient's immune system's ability to fight the CLL tumor cells, as well. This is important because established therapies such as rituximab (Rituxan) and alemtuzumab (Campath) work, in part, by enhancing immune function against the CLL. Additionally, emerging treatments such as lenalidomide (Revlimid) as well as allogeneic stem cell transplantation rely on the immune system, as well, to induce anti-CLL effects.

Natural killer cells are one type of immune cell that is important in fighting cancer. In the laboratory, we have begun to characterize how natural killer cells are impaired by CLL. We have translated these findings into the clinical setting by beginning to characterize the role
of natural killer cells in fighting CLL in patients undergoing allogeneic stem cell transplant. Natural killer cell recovery after an allogeneic transplant may be crucial in eradicating residual CLL cells and promoting long-term disease-free survival. Our work may lead to novel trials to improve outcomes of patients with CLL follow allogeneic transplant to convey long-term, disease-free survival.