Photodynamic therapy combined with cell therapies for advanced esophageal cancer

ZHANG Ming-ming; LI Na; LI Xiu-li; MA Wen-hua; BO Chang-wen; AN Yong-hui; LI Kang; MA Ming

doi:10.3969/j.issn.1006-5725.2016.04.019

Abstract：Objective To explore the clinical efficacy and immunological effects of photodynamic therapy combined with cell therapies for advanced esophageal cancer. Methods Ninety patients with advanced esophageal cancer were collected and divided into three groups by a non-randomized controlled trial according to treatment intention. Group A (30 patients) received photodynamic therapy (PDT) alone; group B (30 patients), PDT received PDT plus cytokine-induced killer (CIK) cell therapies; and group C (30 patients) received CIK cell therapy aloen. In all the patients, the efficacy was assessed, the quality of life was documented, the immune function was detected, and the 6-month and 1-year death tolls were counted. Results The total clinical effectiveness rate was much higher in groups B and A than in group C (90.0% and 86.7% vs. 63.3%, P < 0.05), and there was no a statistical difference between group B and group A (P > 0.05). The rate of an increase in quality of life was significantly higher in group B than in groups A and C (86.7%vs. 60.0%and 33.3%, P<0.05), and it was higher in group A than in group C (60.0% vs. 33.3%, P < 0.05). As compared groups A and C, the percentages of CD3+ and CD3+ CD56+ were significantly improved in B group (P < 0.05), there was no a statistical difference between group A and group C. The 6-month survival rate did not differ statistically among the three groups (P > 0.05), while the 1-year survival rate was much higher in group B than in groups A and C (73.9% vs. 55.6% and 29.4%, P < 0.05). Conclusion Photodynamic therapy combined with cell therapies has a synergistic effect, and it enhances the overall immune function, significantly improves the quality of life and prolongs the survival period, showing a better clinical prospect.