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Short answer
NK cell therapy separates immune cells from your own blood, cultures them for about 2–3 weeks, and returns them by infusion. In Japan it is self-pay care that clinics must register as a Class III regenerative medicine plan. It is not a standard cancer treatment, and suitability is decided by a physician after reviewing your records.
01
What NK cell therapy is
NK (natural killer) cells are lymphocytes that recognize and clear abnormal cells. In NK cell therapy, your own blood is collected, NK and other immune cells are expanded and activated in a cell processing facility, and then returned to you by infusion.
In Japan this is self-pay care outside national insurance. Clinics must have the treatment plan reviewed by a certified committee and registered with the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (Class III). Registration numbers are public.
To be clear: immune cell therapy is not a standard cancer treatment and does not replace surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or approved immunotherapy drugs. Most people consider it as a complement to standard care, ideally in discussion with their own oncologist.
02
Who asks about it
These are common reasons people get in touch, not promises of results. Whether treatment can go ahead depends on your condition and the clinic's registered scope.
During or after standard cancer treatment
Looking at whether immune cell therapy could complement their oncologist's plan. Pathology and treatment records are needed.
Concern about immune health
Age or long-term fatigue. Whether treatment falls within the registered scope is the physician's call.
On behalf of a parent
Many enquiries come from adult children. Send your family member's records and we will organize them for an initial physician review.
03
The process
Records review and consultation
Send records first; the physician assesses suitability. In Japan: consultation and blood tests.
Blood draw
Your blood is collected to isolate and culture immune cells.
Cell culture (about 2–3 weeks)
Cells are expanded, activated, and quality-checked. You can return home during this time.
Infusion
Back at the clinic, the cultured cells are infused and you are observed afterwards.
Course and follow-up
The physician decides how many sessions and at what intervals; report how you feel after returning home.
04
Who it suits, and who needs assessment first
Generally suited
- Can provide full medical records and recent tests
- Understands it complements, not replaces, standard care
- Can make two trips or stay about 2–3 weeks
Physician assessment needed first
- Acute infection or fever
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Taking immunosuppressants or treatments that may interact
- Autoimmune disease
- Unable to tolerate a blood draw or long-distance travel
05
Reference cost
Immune cell therapy costs vary widely by cell type, plan, and number of sessions. We confirm a written quote with the clinic before you travel.
Whether tax and tests are included is confirmed in the clinic's written quote. Coordination fees are explained separately.
06
Questions to ask at your consultation
- 01Which immune cells are used, how long is the culture, and how many cells are infused?
- 02What is the registration number for this treatment?
- 03How many sessions, at what intervals, and what is the total cost?
- 04What happens to the fee if culture fails or I am not well enough for infusion?
- 05Who do I contact if I feel unwell after returning home?
07
Frequently asked questions
Can NK cell therapy cure cancer?
No one can promise that. Immune cell therapy is not a standard cancer treatment and results vary widely. It is best considered as a complement to standard care, assessed by a physician who has reviewed your records, and discussed with your oncologist.
How long do I need to stay in Japan?
Culture takes about 2–3 weeks between blood draw and infusion. Most people make two trips (consultation, tests, and blood draw; then infusion), or stay 2–3 weeks.
What records should I prepare?
Pathology reports, recent imaging (CT, MRI, PET), treatment history, current medications, and recent blood tests. The more complete, the easier the assessment.
How much does it cost?
Costs vary widely by cell type, plan, and number of sessions, and the clinic provides a written quote after consultation. We confirm the quote and what it includes with you before you travel.
How many sessions are usually needed?
The physician decides based on your goal and condition; several sessions are common. Confirm the number, intervals, and total cost before signing.
Further reading
Where to have it
GINZA YR CLINIC
Ginza YR Clinic's NK and αβT cell treatments are registered as Class III plans. Registration numbers and physician details are on the clinic page.