Autologous dendritic cells combined with cytokine-induced killer cells in the treatment of metastatic renal cell carcinoma / 解放军医学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To evaluate the clinical efficacy, the immune function and follow-up observation of autologous dendritic cells (DCs) combined with cytokine-induced killer (CIK) cells in the treatment of metastatic renal cell carcinoma. Methods Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were collected from 27 patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma, and cultured in vitro to produce DCs and CIK cells. After sterility test, phenotypic character ization by flow cytometry and cell count, the produced DCs and CIK cells were then returned to the patient. DCs were given subcutaneously on day 7, 9, 11 and 13 respectively, after PBMCs collection, and CIK cells were given intravenously on day 11 and 13 respectively. This treatment regimen was repeated at a 3 months interval until the disease progresses. Clinical outcomes and immune function were recorded during the treatment period. Results After DCs-CIK cells treatment, clinical efficacy showed an objective response rate (ORR) of 37%, a disease control rate (DCR) of 85% and 2 years overall survival rate of 81.5%. There were no significant changes of T cell subsets including CD3+CD4+CD8–, CD3+CD4–CD8+, CD3+CD19–, CD3–CD19+, CD3–CD16+CD56+, CD3+CD16+CD56+, CD3+HLA-DR–, CD3+HLA-DR+, CD3+CD28+CD8+ and Th2 cells except CD3+CD4+CD25+ T cells (Treg cells) and Th1 in peripheral blood between pre- and post-treatment. No serious adverse events were observed. Conclusion DCs-CIK cells immunotherapy provides a safe and effective treatment approach for patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma, and may improve the immunosuppression status and enhance the anti-tumor immunity without obvious adverse reaction.