Effects of Autologous Cytokine-Induced Killer Cells Infusion in Colorectal Cancer Patients: A Prospective Study

AIM: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of postoperative adjuvant immunotherapy with cytokine-induced killer (CIK) cells in combination with chemotherapy (CT) in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 46 patients were randomly assigned to either group 1 (control group) or group 2 (CIK group) using blocked randomization. Both groups received the FOLFOX4 (5-fluorouridine, leucovorin, and oxaliplatin) CT. In the CIK group, patients were given CIK cell infusion after FOLFOX4 CT. Treatment efficacy, adverse effects, and quality of life (QOL) were assessed. RESULTS: During the first 2 years of follow-up, the recurrence rate in the CIK group (26.1%, 6 in 23 cases) was significantly lower than the control group (43.5%, 10 in 23). The survival time was significantly longer in the CIK group (41.9 months, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 38.2-45.7) than in the control group (33.8 months, 95% CI: 28.4-39.2). Although QOL was reduced in both treatment groups, adjuvant CIK cell transfusion significantly improved the QOL in patients with CRC. Toxicity was mild in patients with CIK treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Immunotherapy with CIK cells may serve as an adjuvant treatment in patients with CRC after CT with prolonged survival of patients, limited side-effects, and improved QOL.