Noah’s Light Foundation funding critical NK Cell research – The NOAH Protocol.

Noah’s Light Foundation supports research for viable immunological treatments for pediatric cancer.  Through innovative research leading to the NOAH Protocol, researchers are mobilizing Natural Killer (NK) cells in the fight against cancer.  NK cells are our body’s most aggressive white blood cells and are the immune system’s fiercest defenders.

Research to prepare for the NOAH Protocol is being conducted in two steps. The first successful step to our research is the introduction of a port directly into the fourth ventricle of the brain, a common site for resistant and refractory brain cancer. This revolutionary procedure was developed by Dr. David Sandberg at UTHealth and Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital Houston and his clinical trials are currently open.

Concurrently, Dr. Laurence Cooper and his team at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center developed an approach to activate NK cells to recognize tumors despite cancer’s ability to hide. The NK cells are delivered directly to the tumor through the port in the fourth ventricle, allowing them to attack the cancerous cells. This will be the first time in history that this immune based therapy has ever been used to treat pediatric brain cancer.

We believe “bench to bedside” is the only way to make meaningful progress in the fight against cancer. This research illustrates the determination to bring vital, less toxic treatment out of the lab and to the patient.  By fall of 2014, the NOAH Protocol is expected to be in Phase 1 trials and we believe it will significantly impact the lives of children who have been told there is no hope. It has been additionally named “New Opportunity Advancing Hope.” Click here to read lead researcher, Dr. Cooper’s, explanation of the NOAH Protocol.