A clinical trial of cytokine induced killer cells treating patients with malignant tumor after radiochemotherapy

Abstract

Objective: Our study investigated the immunity changes and life quality changes after the treatment of cytokine induced killer (CIK) cells for patients with malignant tumor after radiochemotherapy, and explored the therapeutic effects of CIK cells on these patients. Methods: Thirty-one patients with malignant tumor after radiochemotherapy were treated with CIK cells. Before and after CIK cells being transfused back, the immunity indexes of the peripheral blood of these cases were detected and the changes of life quality of these cases were compared. Results: After radiochemotherapy, the percentage of CD3+, CD4+ cells declined, the percentage of CD8+ cells rose; the ratio of CD4+/CD8+ declined, and the percentage of CD16+, CD56+ cells declined. As all the above indexes compared with that of normal people, the difference was significant (P < 0.05). After CIK cells therapy, the above indexes improved (P < 0.05). Life quality improved significantly after CIK cells therapy (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Radiochemotherapy can inhibit the immunity in patients with malignant tumor. CIK cells therapy is safe and effective. It may improve the recent immunity and life quality of the patients, which suggesting that it may be an alternative maintenance treatment for patients with malignant tumor after radiochemotherapy.