Why can't natural killer cells target cancer cells?

[8link48]

I don't know whether or not I'm in the right topic, but I'd like to know why we can't try to create a mutation in natural killer cells to target cancer cells within the human body. If it is possible is there any chance you could describe the process?

[StringJunky]

Cancer cells are normal cells with messed up DNA. Their surface signatures are likely the same as normal cells, so killer cells can't tell the difference.

Edited December 7, 2018 by StringJunky

[Hans de Vries]

We will be able to do that soon with most cancers.

We already have CAR T in use https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/research/car-t-cells

We also have drugs like Ipilimumab and Pembrolizumab that "force" the immune system to attack cancer cells. A combination of Ipilimumab and Nivolumab wuadrupled 5 year survival for metadtatic melanoma

 

[ecoli]

On 12/8/2018 at 4:04 AM, Hans de Vries said:

We will be able to do that soon with most cancers.

We already have CAR T in use https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/research/car-t-cells

We also have drugs like Ipilimumab and Pembrolizumab that "force" the immune system to attack cancer cells. A combination of Ipilimumab and Nivolumab wuadrupled 5 year survival for metadtatic melanoma

 

This is off topic to the OP, since your cited approach is engineered adaptive immunity. NK cells are part of the innate immune system and are activated by cytokines or interferons = no antibodies involved.