Understanding CIK cells CIK cells, or Cytokine-Induced Killer (CIK) cells, are a new type of immunologically active cells with high proliferative capacity, strong cytotoxic effects, and certain immunological properties. Because the cells express both CD3 and CD56 membrane protein molecules, they are also known as NK cell (natural killer cell)-like T lymphocytes, which have both the powerful anti-tumor activity of T lymphocytes and the non-MHC-restricted tumor-killing advantage of NK cells. The cells have a strong ability to recognize tumor cells and act as “cellular missiles” that can precisely “point” at tumor cells without harming “innocent” normal cells. Especially after surgery or radiotherapy, CIK cells are effective in eliminating residual metastatic lesions, preventing the spread and recurrence of cancer cells, and improving the immunity of the body, therefore, CIK cells are considered to be a new generation of tumor cell immunotherapy. Characteristics of CIK cells 1. Strong proliferation ability, the main utility cells CD3+CD56+, can proliferate hundreds to thousands of times. 2, strong killing activity, far superior to traditional LAK cells and cytokines such as IFN-γ, IL2, etc. 3, wide tumor killing spectrum, not restricted by MHC, with broad-spectrum tumor and virus killing effect, still sensitive to multi-drug resistant tumor cells, can resist tumor cell-induced effector cell Fas-FasL apoptosis. 4. Small toxic side effects, no obvious serious adverse reactions. Advantages of CIK cell therapy technology 1. It can have the ability to remove residual cancer cells and micro lesions after surgery and radiotherapy, and prevent tumor recurrence and metastasis. 2.It can be used in combination with radiotherapy and chemotherapy, which can reduce the infection rate of toxic side effects of radiotherapy and improve the therapeutic effect of radiotherapy. 3.It can be used for the treatment of patients who are ineffective in radiotherapy and chemotherapy, or patients who are resistant to chemotherapy drugs. 4.For patients with advanced tumors who have lost the opportunity of surgery or have recurred and metastasized, it can alleviate their clinical symptoms and prolong their survival; most of the patients show the therapeutic effect of tumor reduction or even disappearance or long-term survival with tumor; 5.As CIK cells have immunomodulatory and somatic cell repair effects, while treating tumors, most of the patients, especially those after radiotherapy, can show the reduction or disappearance of gastrointestinal symptoms and Mental status or physical strength can be significantly improved, thus improving the survival quality of tumor patients and prolonging the survival period.