Last reviewed · How we verify
Cytokine-induced killer cell immunotherapy
Cytokine-induced killer (CIK) cells are ex vivo expanded T lymphocytes that recognize and kill tumor cells through multiple pathways including TCR and NK receptor engagement.
Cytokine-induced killer (CIK) cells are ex vivo expanded T lymphocytes that recognize and kill tumor cells through multiple pathways including TCR and NK receptor engagement. Used for Hepatocellular carcinoma, Gastric cancer, Colorectal cancer.
At a glance
| Generic name | Cytokine-induced killer cell immunotherapy |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | Sun Yat-sen University |
| Drug class | Cell therapy; adoptive T-cell immunotherapy |
| Modality | Biologic |
| Therapeutic area | Oncology |
| Phase | Phase 3 |
Mechanism of action
CIK cells are autologous or allogeneic T cells cultured with cytokines (IFN-γ, IL-2, anti-CD3) to generate a population enriched for CD8+ and NK-like T cells with enhanced cytotoxic capacity. These cells recognize tumor-associated antigens and infected cells, inducing apoptosis through perforin/granzyme and death receptor pathways. The therapy leverages both adaptive and innate immune mechanisms to target malignant cells.
Approved indications
- Hepatocellular carcinoma
- Gastric cancer
- Colorectal cancer
- Non-small cell lung cancer
Common side effects
- Cytokine release syndrome
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Infusion-related reactions
Key clinical trials
- Recombinant Interleukin-15 in Combination With Checkpoint Inhibitors Nivolumab and Ipilimumab in People With Refractory Cancers (PHASE1)
- Pembrolizumab, IRX-2, and Chemotherapy in Triple Negative Breast Cancer (PHASE2)
- Natural Killer (NK) Cells in Combination With Interleukin-2 (IL-2) and Transforming Growth Factor Beta (TGFbeta) Receptor I Inhibitor Vactosertib in Cancer (PHASE1)
- Phase II Study of Chemotherapy and PD-1 Inhibitor Combination With Autologous CIK Cell Immunotherapy to Treat Lung Cancer (PHASE2)
- The Adoptive Immunotherapy for Solid Tumors Using Modified Autologous CIK Cells (PHASE1, PHASE2)
- A Direct Head-to-head Comparison of Ustekinumab with Infliximab for the Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis
- Autologous Memory-like NK Cell Therapy With BHV-1100 and Low Dose IL-2 in Multiple Myeloma Patients (PHASE1)
- IFN-γ Combined With T Cells in the Treatment of Refractory Malignant Pleural Effusion and Ascites (PHASE1)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape: