[Therapeutic efficacy of dendritic cells pulsed by autologous tumor cell lysate in combination with CIK cells on advanced renal cell carcinoma]

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the clinical efficacy of dendritic cells (DCs) sensitization by autologous tumor cell lysate in combination with cytokine-induced killer (CIK) cells on patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma and detect their immune functions and adverse effects.

Methods: The study analyzed retrospectively 82 patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma admitted in our department from January 2011 to December 2013. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated from the above patients. Adherent cells were cultured to produce DCs. The DCs were pulsed with autologous tumor cell lysate (Ag) to produce Ag-DC. T lymphocytes were cultured to prepare CIK. The Ag-DC was co-cultured with CIK to produce Ag-DC-CIK vaccine, and then the phenotypes of the DCs and the secretion of IL-12 were evaluated. CIK cell proliferation was determined, too. The 41 patients received the immunotherapy of Ag-DC-CIK, and the other 41 patients received CIK cell therapy alone. After 2 cycles of treatment, the changes of T cell subtypes and cytokines released in the peripheral blood were evaluated. The therapeutic outcomes were evaluated with the help of imageology. The adverse effects were also observed.

Results: Compared with the DCs alone, DCs pulsed with autologous tumor cell lysates expressed significantly surface molecules CD11c, CD83, CD86 and HLA-DR, and the release of IL-12 significantly increased. CIK cell proliferation was significantly enhanced after co-cultured with the Ag-DC. Meanwhile, the percentages of CD3⁺CD8⁺ cells and CD3⁺CD56⁺ cells went up significantly compared with the controls. Clinical responses of the Ag-DC-CIK treatment group were much better than those of the control group. No severe adverse effects were seen in the two groups.

Conclusion: DCs derived from PBMCs of advanced renal cell carcinoma patients harboring the autologous tumor cell antigens can differentiate into mature DCs, which facilitate the proliferation of CIK cells. Ag-DC-CIK vaccine improves the immune status of patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma.