Clinical effects of autologous cytokine-induced killer cell-based immunotherapy in the treatment of endometrial cancer: a case report and literature review

Abstract

Endometrial cancer is the most prevalent gynecological malignancy in the USA, and its treatment involves surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. Cytokine-induced killer (CIK) cell-based treatments have shown antitumor activity against several solid tumors. However, to the best of our knowledge, there are no reports yet of CIK immunotherapy in the treatment of endometrial cancer, and consequently, little is known about its efficacy and safety. Here, we report a case of an endometrial cancer patient receiving a combination treatment with CIK cells immunotherapy and chemotherapy. Assessment for clinical features was carried out after every two cycles of CIK immunotherapy and chemotherapy. No severe toxicity was observed after infusion of CIK cells. After 4 cycles of treatment, the patient achieved complete response and showed elevated Karnofsky Performance Status scores with an overall survival time of 13.6 months. The combination therapy improved the quality of life and prolonged patient survival time, which suggested that CIK cell therapy might be a potentially beneficial option for endometrial cancer.

Keywords: combination therapy; cytokine-induced killer cells; endometrial cancer; immunotherapy.

Figure 1

MRI findings of distant metastasis. Notes: MRI carried out before the patient received CIK cells. (A) MRI shows liver metastasis, and red arrows indicated metastatic focus. (B) Pelvic metastasis was detected by MRI (red arrows). Abbreviations: CIK, cytokine-induced killer; MRI, magnetic resonance imaging.

Figure 2

MRI findings after 4 cycles of CIK cells plus chemotherapy. Note: Liver (A) and pelvic (B) metastasis showing significant improvement (red arrows). Abbreviations: CIK, cytokine-induced killer; MRI, magnetic resonance imaging.