FOXP3 Inhibitory Peptide P60 Increases Efficacy of Cytokine-induced Killer Cells Against Renal and Pancreatic Cancer Cells

Background/aim Cytokine-induced killer (CIK) cells are ex vivo expanded major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-unrestricted cytotoxic cells with promising effects against a variety of cancer types. Regulatory T-cells (T-reg) have been shown to reduce the effectiveness of CIK cells against tumor cells. Peptide P60 has been shown to inhibit the immunosuppressive functions of T-regs. This study aimed at examining the effect of p60 on CIK cells efficacy against renal and pancreatic cancer cells. Materials and methods The effect of P60 on CIK cytotoxicity was examined using flow cytometry, WST-8-based cell viability assay and interferon γ (IFNγ) ELISA. Results P60 treatment resulted in a signifi…

A Low Dose of Pure Cannabidiol Is Sufficient to Stimulate the Cytotoxic Function of CIK Cells without Exerting the Downstream Mediators in Pancreatic Cancer Cells

Despite numerous studies conducted over the past decade, the exact role of the cannabinoid system in cancer development remains unclear. Though research has focused on two cannabinoid receptors (CB1, CB2) activated by most cannabinoids, CB2 holds greater attention due to its expression in cells of the immune system. In particular, cytokine-induced killer cells (CIKs), which are pivotal cytotoxic immunological effector cells, express a high-level of CB2 receptors. Herein, we sought to investigate whether inducing CIK cells with cannabidiol can enhance their cytotoxicity and if there are any possible counter effects in its downstream cascade of phosphorylated p38 and CREB using a pancreatic d…

Fibroblast activation protein inhibitor (FAPi) positive tumour fraction on PET/CT correlates with Ki-67 in liver metastases of neuroendocrine tumours

Abstract Aim Gallium-68-labelled inhibitors of the fibroblast activation protein (FAPi) enable positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) imaging of fibroblast activation. We evaluated if [68Ga]Ga-DATA5m.SA.FAPi PET/CT is related to Ki-67 as a marker of tumour aggressiveness in patients with liver metastases of NET. Methods Thirteen patients with liver metastases of a histologically confirmed NET who underwent PET/CT with [68Ga]Ga-DATA5m.SA.FAPi, [18F]FDG and [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-TOC were retrospectively analyzed. PET-positive liver tumour volumes were segmented for calculation of volume, SUVmax and PET-positive tumour fraction (TF). PET parameters were correlated with Ki-67. Result…

Extrahepatische Malignome nach Lebertransplantation wegen Primär Sklerosierender Cholangitis – eine multizentrische Langzeit-Beobachtungsstudie

Risk estimation for biliary tract cancer: Development and validation of a prognostic score.

Background & Aims Biliary tract cancer is a rare tumour entity characterized by a poor prognosis. We aimed to identify prognostic factors and create a prognostic score to estimate survival. Methods Clinical data of the training set, consisting of 569 patients treated from 2000 to 2010 at Hannover Medical School, were analysed. A prognostic model defining three prognostic risk groups was derived from Cox regression analyses. The score was applied and validated in an independent cohort of 557 patients from four different German centres. Results Median overall survival (OS) was 14.5 months. If complete resection was performed, the patients had a significantly improved OS (23.9 months; n=242) a…

Clinical trials with combination of cytokine-induced killer cells and dendritic cells for cancer therapy

Adoptive cellular immunotherapy (ACI) is a promising treatment for a number of cancers. Cytokine-induced killer cells (CIKs) are considered to be major cytotoxic immunologic effector cells. Usually cancer cells are able to suppress antitumor responses by secreting immunosuppressive factors. CIKs have significant antitumor activity and are capable of eradicating tumors with few side effects. They are a very encouraging cell population used against hematological and solid tumors, with an inexpensive expansion protocol which could yield to superior clinical outcome in clinical trials employing adoptive cellular therapy combination. In the last decade, clinical protocols have been modified by e…