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CardioVascular and Interventional Radiology

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Open Access 01-01-2019 | Clinical Investigation

Safety and Short-Term Efficacy of Irreversible Electroporation and Allogenic Natural Killer Cell Immunotherapy Combination in the Treatment of Patients with Unresectable Primary Liver Cancer

Authors: Yumei Yang, Zilin Qin, Duanming Du, Yumin Wu, Shuibo Qiu, Feng Mu, Kengcheng Xu, Jibing Chen

Published in: CardioVascular and Interventional Radiology | Issue 1/2019

Abstract

Purpose

This study aimed to investigate the safety and short-term efficacy of irreversible electroporation (IRE) combined with allogenic natural killer (NK) cell immunotherapy in the treatment of patients with unresectable primary liver cancer.

Materials and Methods

Between October 2015 and December 2016, 40 patients were enrolled and randomly allocated to either the IRE group (n = 22) or the IRE–NK group (n = 18). All adverse events experienced by the patients were recorded; the changes in tumor biomarkers [AFP, CA 19-9, circulating tumor cells (CTCs)], lymphocyte number and function, quality of life, clinical response, progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were assessed.

Results

Patients who received combination therapy exhibited significantly longer median PFS and OS than who just received IRE (PFS 15.1 vs. 10.6 months, P < 0.05, OS 17.9 vs. 23.2 months, P < 0.05). The combination therapy of IRE and NK cell immunotherapy significantly reduced CTCs and increased immune function and Karnofsky performance status.

Conclusion

Our data suggest a novel, promising combination therapy using IRE and allogenic NK cell immunotherapy. Larger clinical trials are required to confirm these conclusions.

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Title: Safety and Short-Term Efficacy of Irreversible Electroporation and Allogenic Natural Killer Cell Immunotherapy Combination in the Treatment of Patients with Unresectable Primary Liver Cancer
Authors: Yumei Yang
Zilin Qin
Duanming Du
Yumin Wu
Shuibo Qiu
Feng Mu
Kengcheng Xu
Jibing Chen
Publication date: 01-01-2019
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: CardioVascular and Interventional Radiology / Issue 1/2019
Print ISSN: 0174-1551
Electronic ISSN: 1432-086X
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00270-018-2069-y

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Safety and Short-Term Efficacy of Irreversible Electroporation and Allogenic Natural Killer Cell Immunotherapy Combination in the Treatment of Patients with Unresectable Primary Liver Cancer

Abstract

Purpose

Materials and Methods

Results

Conclusion

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Materials and Methods

Results

Conclusion

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