Cytokine-induced Killer T Cells Enhance the Cytotoxicity Against Carboplatin-resistant Ovarian Cancer Cells

Abstract

Background/aim: Ovarian cancer (OC) is typically diagnosed at an advanced stage with limitations for cure. Cytokine-induced killer (CIK) T cell therapy exerts significant cytotoxic effects against cancer cells and reduces the adverse effects of chemotherapy. Herein, we performed a flow cytometry-based method to evaluate the cytotoxicity of peripheral blood mononuclear cells-derived CIK cells against OC cells.

Materials and methods: The CIK cells were induced and expanded using an interferon-γ/IL-2-based xeno-free medium system. The cytotoxicity of CIK cells or carboplatin against OC cells was examined.

Results: The CIK cells showed an NK-like phenotypic characteristic and dose-dependently increased cytotoxicity against OC cells. We found that the number of advanced OC cells, which were more resistant to carboplatin, was dramatically decreased by an additional one-shot CIK treatment.

Conclusion: CIK cells have a potent cytotoxic ability that would be explored as an alternative strategy for cancer treatment in the near future.

Keywords: Ovarian cancer; chemotherapy; cytokine-induced killer cell; flow cytometry; peripheral blood mononuclear cell.