Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) Enhances NK Cell Therapy in Blood Cancers
Immunotherapy in the treatment of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and other blood cancers
Oncologists have been trying for years to improve the treatment of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) and other hematological malignancies with immunotherapy. Methods used include:
• Monoclonal antibodies that attack cancer cells.
• Intravenous transfusion of NK (natural killer) cells, a specialized subgroup of lymphocytes capable of destroying cancer cells.
Despite their great therapeutic potential, these methods have limitations, especially in advanced stages of the disease.
Breakthrough: Niacinamide-Enhanced NK Cells
Scientists at the University of Minnesota, working with a Jerusalem biotech company, have discovered that natural killer cells from donors can be much more effective at killing cancer cells when grown in the presence of niacinamide (the active form of vitamin B3).
Why niacinamide?
• Niacinamide (nicotinamide) is an absorbable form of vitamin B3 that is rapidly converted to NAD (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide).
• NAD is crucial for mitochondrial function, supporting ATP (cellular energy) production in immune system cells.
• An increase in NAD levels causes increased cytotoxicity of NK cells and increased production of inflammatory cytokines, making them more effective in eliminating cancer cells.
First Clinical Trial: Promising Results
A clinical trial was conducted in 19 patients with relapsed or refractory non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and multiple myeloma. Patients received:
• Monoclonal antibodies
• NK cells cultured in the presence of niacinamide
Results:
• 74% of patients showed a positive response to therapy (14 out of 19 people).
• 13 patients achieved complete remission.
• 1 patient had a partial response to treatment.
• NK cells persisted in blood, bone marrow, and tumors for up to two weeks after infusion.
• The therapy was well tolerated, with no serious side effects.
Broader Uses of Niacinamide: Mitochondrial and Cardiovascular Protection
In addition to its use in cancer therapy, niacinamide has also shown potential to improve survival following cardiac arrest:
• In animal studies, niacinamide helped restore the activity of NAD-dependent enzymes in ischemic myocardium.
• This indicates that restoring NAD levels may be an effective treatment strategy for diseases associated with mitochondrial dysfunction.
Niacinamide-enhanced NK therapy is a promising breakthrough in cancer immunotherapy. Although further studies are needed, preliminary results indicate that optimizing immune cell metabolism by increasing NAD levels may improve the efficacy of cancer treatment.
Bibliography
1. Cichotski F. et al. Nicotinamide enhances natural killer cell function and yields remissions in patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Science Translational Medicine 2023; 15(75): 705.
2. Zhu X. et al. Nicotinamide restores tissue NAD+ and improves survival in rodent models of cardiac arrest. PLoS One 2023; 18(9): e0291598.
Author: Prof. Igor Bondarenko (translated from English)
Immunotherapy for Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma - Breakthrough Treatment with NK Cells and Niacinamide
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