What Are NK Cells (Natural Killer Cells)?
Natural Killer (NK) cells are a type of white blood cell that plays a crucial role in the bodyâs innate immune system. They are present from birth and are responsible for identifying and eliminating abnormal cells, including virus-infected cells and cancer cells, without damaging healthy tissue.
Under normal conditions, NK cells make up only about 2â3% of circulating white blood cells, and both their number and functional activity tend to decline over time. Factors such as aging, chronic stress, lack of sleep, environmental pollution, alcohol consumption, smoking, poor nutrition, and prolonged illness can further reduce NK cell effectiveness.
When NK cell activity is compromised, the immune system becomes less efficient at controlling infections and abnormal cell growth, which may increase susceptibility to chronic diseases and cancer progression.
Immunotherapy at Panacee Hospital Rama2 - Cancer Care in Bangkok, Thailand may cost around $152,778 for a 2-month integrative program. The treatment combines advanced oncothermia with multiple immunotherapy components under the supervision of Dr. Asawadech Sanbua, an oncologist with 18 years of experience and 900+ cancer treatments performed.
Treatment Program
The Integrative multi Cancer plus - Oncothermia Program includes:
- 24 Oncothermia sessions (60-180 min each)
- 8 Kidmin IV treatments
- 4 Curcumin IV immunotherapy sessions
- 4 Resveratrol immunotherapy sessions
- 8 Ozone therapy sessions
- 8 Hyperbaric oxygen therapy sessions
- 8 Megadose Vitamin C sessions
Doctor Expertise
Dr. Sanbua specializes in oncothermia and targeted cancer treatments. With 5 years focused experience in hyperthermia therapy, he leads the program at the GMP-certified facility. The treatment raises tumor temperature to 42-45°C to enhance immune response.
Alternative Options
Patients may consider:
- Oncothermia alone - around $7,273 for 24 sessions
- NK Cell Therapy - approximately $9,091 per infusion
- Combined Immunotherapy - estimated $8,000-$16,363
The hospital offers a holistic approach combining Thai and international expertise. Patients receive three weekly sessions over two months. Exact costs are adjusted after in-person consultation.
Hospital certificates and accreditation of quality
What Is NK Cell Therapy?
NK Cell Therapy is a form of autologous immune cell therapy, meaning it uses the patientâs own immune cells. The goal of this therapy is not to replace conventional cancer treatment, but to support and enhance immune function, particularly in patients with weakened or suppressed immunity.
Through laboratory-based cell processing, NK cells are isolated, activated, and expanded outside the body, then reintroduced to improve immune surveillance and immune balance.
How NK Cell Therapy Is Performed
Although protocols may vary by medical center, the general clinical process follows several standardized steps:
1.  Medical Evaluation and Pre-Screening
Before treatment, patients undergo medical consultation and laboratory testing to assess overall health status and immune condition. This step helps determine suitability and ensures safety throughout the therapy.
2.  Blood Collection
A small amount of peripheral blood (typically 50â100 cc) is collected from the patient. This blood sample contains immune cells, including NK cells, that will be used for further processing.
3.  NK Cell Isolation and Culture
In a certified cell-processing laboratory, NK cells are separated from other blood components. Using controlled culture conditions, the cells are activated and expanded to enhance both their quantity and cytotoxic activity.
This process generally takes approximately 18â21 days, allowing sufficient time for immune cell optimization.
4.  NK Cell Infusion
Once the NK cells reach the desired quality and activity level, they are administered back to the patient via intravenous infusion. After reinfusion, the activated NK cells circulate through the bloodstream and tissues, where they contribute to immune regulation and abnormal cell targeting.
Clinical Applications and Supportive Use
 NK Cell Therapy is increasingly used as a supportive or integrative approach, particularly in the following contexts:
Patients recovering from chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
Individuals with weakened immunity or recurrent infections.
Patients experiencing chronic fatigue or age-related immune decline.
Individuals seeking non-surgical, immune-focused oncology support.
It is important to note that NK Cell Therapy is not a standalone cure for cancer, but rather a complementary strategy aimed at strengthening immune resilience and improving overall physiological recovery.
Observed Benefits in Clinical Practice
Clinical programs and published studies suggest that NK Cell Therapy may contribute to:
Enhanced immune response and immune surveillance.
Support for conventional oncology treatments.
Reduction in chronic inflammation.
Improves energy levels while supporting long-term immune balance and recovery.
Because the therapy uses the patientâs own cells, it is generally well tolerated, with minimal adverse effects when performed under proper medical supervision.
Post-Treatment Considerations
After infusion, some patients may experience temporary fatigue or mild weakness as the immune system becomes more active. Adequate rest, proper hydration, and nutritional support are typically recommended during the recovery period. Heavy physical activity and alcohol consumption are usually avoided for several days following treatment.
The Role of Specialized Medical Centers
The safety and effectiveness of NK Cell Therapy depend heavily on laboratory standards, clinical protocols, and physician oversight. Medical centers offering this treatment typically rely on ISO-certified laboratories, controlled cell-culture environments, and multidisciplinary medical teams to ensure quality and patient safety.
At Panacee Hospital Thailand, NK Cell Therapy is integrated within a broader regenerative and functional medicine framework, supported by standardized cell-processing protocols and individualized patient assessment
Conclusion
NK Cell Therapy represents an evolving field in immune-based medicine, offering a scientifically grounded option for patients seeking immune support as part of integrative oncology or preventive health strategies. By enhancing the bodyâs natural defense mechanisms, this approach focuses on supporting immune balance rather than replacing conventional medical treatments.
All medical content on this page is prepared by authors with specialized medical education and reviewed by certified physicians in the relevant field. Medical review by Yesim Yildirim, Clinical oncologist.
Last updated: December 15, 2025.
- Statistics: Figures are based on Bookimedâs internal database January 2026, which includes analysis of 12,450 patient requests across 1 accredited clinics in Thailand.
- Pricing: Cost information is provided directly by Bookimedâs partner clinics and updated regularly to reflect current 2026 market conditions. Actual expenses may differ depending on case complexity, surgeon expertise, and clinic location.
- Clinical Data: Treatment outcomes and patient satisfaction figures are collected from Bookimedâs verified clinic database and supported by data from peer-reviewed medical sources such as PubMed, The Lancet, JAMA, and NEJM (2023â2026).
All data is provided for general informational purposes and may not represent individual results or experiences.