Background and rationale: 1) Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the US. The rate of nearly every type of cancer is on the rise. Despite billions of dollars in research, the mortality rate has remained nearly unchanged since the 1960's using conventional treatments such as radiation, surgery and chemotherapy. Thus, there is considerable interest in using immune modulation as an adjuvant for cancer therapy. Natural killer cells are particularly important in destroying cancer cells.

Purpose of study: 1) To determine the in vitro anti-cancer effects of Transfer Factor and Transfer Factor Plus using PBMC isolated from human volunteers and assaying the increased ability of the NK cell population to kill K562 erythroleukemic cells.

Methods: 1) PBMC killing of K562 (erythroleukemic) cells
 

Conclusions: Transfer Factor and Transfer Factor Plus induced immune-based lysis of K562 cells at a level unprecedented in the director's experience or in the known medical literature. Since NK cell function is so crucial in killing cancer cells, these products are ideal candidates for cancer adjuvant therapy. In addition, NK cells form a first line of defense against infections from viruses and certain other microorganisms. Killing assays against K562 cells have also been correlated with increased activity against chronic and acute infections as well.

Institute of Longevity Medicine