Improving Natural Killer Cell Immunotherapy for Cancer - Martin Felices

February 6, 2019

Martin Felices discusses a unique approach to using natural killer (NK) cells to target a variety of cancers. NK cells seek out abnormal cells while also producing inflammatory cytokines that induce the adaptive immune response. There is a known role of NK cells in hematologic malignancies whereas in tumor micro environments the NK cells display characteristics of exhaustion and lack of maturation. Martin’s work with NK cells aims to bypass these characteristics and enhance the natural ability of these cells. He reviews the use of stem cell transplants, NK cell infusions, adaptive NK cell products and induced pluripotent derived NK cells.  Current research also includes the use of combinations of cytokines and antibodies which is also reviewed.

Biographies:

Martin Felices, PhD Assistant Professor of Medicine, Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Transplantation, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota

Charles J. Ryan, MD, the President and Chief Executive Officer of The Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF), the world’s leading philanthropic organization dedicated to funding life-saving prostate cancer research. Charles J. Ryan is an internationally recognized genitourinary (GU) oncologist with expertise in the biology and treatment of advanced prostate cancer. Dr. Ryan joined the PCF from the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, where he served as Director of the Hematology, Oncology, and Transplantation Division in the Department of Medicine. He also served as Associate Director for Clinical Research in the Masonic Cancer Center and held the B.J. Kennedy Chair in Clinical Medical Oncology.