NKT cell immunotherapy for breast cancer

Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in Canadian women and the second leading cause of cancer deaths. Despite advancements in classical cancer treatments (surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy), the toxicity and death associated with these interventions remain high. This highlights the need for new strategies to treat cancer. One approach is to enhance tumor control by manipulating the function of the immune system. Our laboratory is examining the anti-tumor properties of a rare population of white blood cells called natural killer T (NKT) cells. Activation of NKT cells in mice induces potent anti-tumor immunity. However, the potential benefits of NKT cell activation in breast cancer have not been established. This project will examine the role of NKT activation following surgical removal of established tumors on breast cancer metastasis and survival rate. Secondly, because NKT cell numbers and/or function are often diminished in cancer patients, we will examine whether transferring additional NKT cells will provide tumor control. Finally, we will examine the effects of combining NKT activation strategies with low dose (hence low toxicity) chemotherapeutic regiments that may have stimulatory effects on the immune system. This work will help establish the rationale for NKT based immune therapies in targeting post-surgical breast cancer.