High-Activity NK Cell Therapy

What is High-Activity NK Cell Therapy?

High-Activity NK (Natural Killer) cell therapy is an immune cell therapy that collects NK cells from your own blood, cultures and activates them at a specialized Cell Processing Center (CPC), then returns them to your body via infusion.

NK cells are immune cells that naturally monitor and eliminate abnormal cells in your body. Various studies indicate they may play key roles in eliminating cancer cells and clearing senescent cells (aging cells).

Based on this scientific foundation, NK cell therapy is expected not only to help maintain immune function and support overall health management, but also to serve as a promising immune cell therapy for future cancer risk management and anti-aging care.

Because we use your own cells (autologous), the risk of allergic reactions and immune rejection is generally considered low.

NK Cell Therapy at Tokyo Relife Clinic

Tokyo Relife Clinic operates in full compliance with Japan's Act on the Safety of Regenerative Medicine and has received official acceptance from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare to provide the following NK cell therapy:

PC3250050: NK cell anti-aging therapy for cancer treatment and prevention

Research Shows: Declining NK Cell Activity Linked to:

• Increased susceptibility to infections ※1
• Higher cancer risk ※2
• Accelerated accumulation of senescent (aging) cells ※13
• Cancer recurrence risk ※4

The Science of NK Cells

NK (Natural Killer) cells are lymphocytes that make up approximately 10–30% of all lymphocytes and serve as core components of the body's innate immune system.

Unlike other immune cells, NK cells can autonomously recognize and attack abnormal cells without waiting for instructions.

Research shows that declining NK cell activity—caused by aging, chronic stress, and lifestyle factors—is associated with higher infection rates, increased cancer incidence, and accelerated aging ※5.

This graph shows that individuals with higher NK cell activity have lower cancer incidence rates compared to those with lower activity.

This graph shows results from a small-scale human study: NK cell infusion not only reduced senescent cells in patients but also decreased various inflammatory markers ※6.

Note: These are observational or small-scale exploratory studies and do not prove treatment efficacy.Based on this research, NK cells are recognized as key immune cells responsible for monitoring abnormal cells, including cancer cells, virus-infected cells, and senescent cells.

Immune Cell Types & Key Differences

Key Features of NK Cell Therapy at Tokyo Relife Clinic

Enhanced NK Cell Activity

Uses unique cytokine environment control technology to boost NK cell activity during culture.

Utilizing Natural Defense Mechanisms

Various studies show NK cells can clear abnormal cells (cancer cells, senescent cells)—our therapy utilizes this natural ability.

High-Proliferation Culture Technology

Advanced techniques can expand NK cells to billions of cells in select cases.

Superior Purity & Viability

Our process emphasizes higher purity and survival rates compared to conventional culture methods.

Cell numbers and proliferation rates vary by individual. Specific values are not guaranteed.

NK Cell Therapy vs Stem Cell Therapy

Both therapies are regenerative medicine, but they serve completely different purposes:

NK Cell Therapy: Enhances and strengthens immune function
Stem Cell Therapy: Provides anti-inflammatory effects and immune regulation

Note: Research shows that under specific conditions, stem cells may help suppress excessive immune responses ※7.

Procedure Guide: NK Cell Therapy

1. Medical Questionnaire & Consultation

Complete medical history and allergy assessment. Our nurse discusses your treatment goals.

2. Physician Examination & Consent Form

The physician explains treatment suitability and planning. After understanding the procedure, you will sign the consent form.

3. Blood Collection & Testing

Approximately 70 mL of blood is collected for infectious disease screening:
HIV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Syphilis, HTLV-1

Once cleared, the same sample is used for NK cell culture.

4. Payment Processing

Payment is completed while waiting for test results.

5. NK Cell Culture Period (Approximately 3 weeks)

Cells are sent to a certified Cell Processing Center (CPC) for professional culture and activation.

6. First NK Cell Infusion

Cultured high-activity NK cells are returned to your body via infusion. Follow-up consultation scheduled to assess response and adjust treatment plan as needed.

7. Second & Subsequent Infusions

Additional infusions typically scheduled 3 weeks to 6 months after the first session, based on individual response.

Precautions for NK Cell Therapy

Blood Collection & Infusion

• Needle insertion may cause temporary pain or bruising—heals naturally
• Avoid alcohol and smoking from the day before
• Inform us if taking anticoagulants, immunosuppressants, or steroids

Day of Infusion

• Treatment may be postponed if you have fever or feel unwell
• Mild fever may occur as an immune response
• Avoid alcohol from the day before
• No smoking on treatment day

Who May Not Be Suitable for NK Cell Therapy

NK cell therapy may not be appropriate for those who:

• Are under 18 years of age
• Test positive for HTLV-1 (Human T-cell leukemia virus type 1)
• Have autoimmune diseases (rheumatoid arthritis, collagen diseases, etc.)
• Are pregnant, possibly pregnant, or breastfeeding
• Have severe heart disease (severe arrhythmia, heart failure, etc.)
• Currently have acute fever or inflammation

Final suitability will be determined by the treating physician.

Conditions Requiring Careful Medical Evaluation

The following individuals require comprehensive medical assessment before NK cell therapy:

• Active Bacterial Infections (e.g., Syphilis, Gonorrhea, Tuberculosis)
• Sepsis or suspected sepsis
• Malignant Tumors (Active cancer requires physician evaluation)
• Severe Metabolic or Endocrine Disorders
• Connective Tissue Diseases (Collagen Disease) or Blood Disorders
• Liver Disease
• Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathy (TSE), suspected cases, or Dementia
• Specific Genetic Disorders or a family history of such conditions

Viral Screening Protocol (Parvovirus B19): Infection status will be confirmed via medical interview. If necessary, specific testing (Serological tests, NAT, etc.) will be conducted to ensure safety.

Important Note: This treatment is an elective, self-pay medical procedure. Effectiveness for the treatment or prevention of specific diseases is not guaranteed and individual results may vary.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q. Who typically considers NK cell therapy?
A: This therapy is often chosen by individuals who:
・Feel their immune function has declined
・Seek to support immune health following cancer treatment
・Are interested in anti-aging and longevity approaches
・Wish to maintain comprehensive wellness management

Whether this treatment is appropriate requires comprehensive evaluation by our physicians during consultation.

Q: Is NK cell therapy a cancer treatment?
A: Research studies have demonstrated correlations between NK cell activity and cancer development patterns. However, NK cell therapy is not a replacement for standard cancer treatment protocols such as surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy.
It is typically positioned as a supportive immunotherapy approach designed to enhance immune function alongside conventional medical care.

Q: Can NK cell therapy prevent cancer?
A: Scientific literature indicates correlations between NK cell activity and cancer occurrence rates. However, we do not guarantee future cancer prevention effects.
Patients typically receive this treatment as part of preventive medicine strategies, with the expectation of supporting immune function that may have declined due to aging or other factors.
No medical treatment can guarantee cancer prevention. This therapy represents one component of comprehensive health management.

Q: How long does the NK Infusion session take?
A: The infusion itself typically takes approximately 1 hour. However, please allow for a total visit time of about 90 minutes. This includes:
・Physician consultation
・Blood collection for the next cell culture
・The NK cell infusion

Duration may vary slightly depending on your physical condition on the day.

Q: What are the potential side effects?
A: While generally considered safe, the following minor reactions may occur:

・Mild discomfort or pain at the needle insertion site
・Minor subcutaneous bruising (ecchymosis) from blood collection
・Temporary mild fever (may indicate natural immune response)
・Transient fatigue or malaise

Safety Profile: Serious adverse reactions are rare. All treatments are performed under direct physician supervision with continuous monitoring.

Q: Is downtime required after treatment?
A: In most cases, no downtime is required. You can typically return to your daily activities immediately after the procedure, without needing to take time off work.

Q: Can anyone receive this treatment?
A: Not everyone is suitable for this therapy. The following individuals cannot receive this treatment:

・HTLV-1 (Human T-cell Leukemia Virus Type 1) carriers
・Patients with autoimmune diseases including rheumatoid arthritis and collagen diseases
・Individuals under 18 years of age
・Pregnant or breastfeeding women
・Patients with severe cardiac conditions or active infections

Comprehensive medical evaluation is required before treatment. Final eligibility is determined by our physicians.

Q: What exactly are NK cells?
A: NK (Natural Killer) cells are immune cells classified as part of the innate immune system. They possess the unique ability to autonomously identify and eliminate abnormal cells, including cancer cells and virus-infected cells, without prior sensitization.

Q: Are stem cell therapy and NK cell therapy the same treatment?
A: No, they are distinct treatments. While both fall under regenerative medicine, their therapeutic purposes and mechanisms are completely different:
・NK Cell Therapy: Focuses on enhancing and strengthening immune function. Supports natural cellular defense mechanisms.
・Stem Cell Therapy: Focuses on anti-inflammatory effects and immune modulation. Promotes tissue regeneration and cellular balance.

Q: How many treatment sessions are needed?
A: Continuous treatment over multiple sessions may be more effective in supporting your therapeutic goals. The specific number of sessions and treatment intervals will be personalized by our physicians based on your individual treatment objectives, current health status, and response to therapy.

Resources:
※1：Ogata K, et al. Clin Exp Immunol. 2001;124(3).
※2：Imai K, et al. Lancet. 2000;356(9244).
※3：Brauning A, et al. Front Immunol. 2022;13.
※4：Lee HA, et al. Front Immunol. 2021;12.
※5：Imai K, et al. Lancet. 2000;356(9244).
※6：Bai Z, et al. Cell Death Dis. 2022;13(4).
※7：Najar M, et al. Front Immunol. 2016;7.