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Isolation and Expansion of Cytotoxic Cytokine-induced Killer T Cells for Cancer Treatment
Published on: January 24, 2020
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Cytokine-based immunotherapy in hematolymphoid malignancies.
Mário Sousa-Pimenta1, Nuno R Dos Santos2
1i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal; Department of Biomedicine, Unit of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; Department of Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation, Portuguese Institute of Oncology of Porto (IPO Porto), Porto, Portugal.
International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology
|July 23, 2025
Summary
Bioengineered cytokines are being re-evaluated for cancer therapy, offering improved treatments for hematological malignancies when combined with other therapies. These advancements enhance immune response and patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Oncology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Cytokines are crucial for immune regulation, bridging innate and adaptive immunity.
- Early cytokine therapies faced challenges due to poor pharmacokinetics and competition from newer treatments.
- Recent bioengineering has improved cytokine half-lives and reduced side effects, prompting re-evaluation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in cytokine-based therapies for hematological malignancies.
- To explore the use of cytokines as monotherapy and in combination treatments.
- To highlight the role of cytokines in enhancing cellular therapies and immune reconstitution.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on cytokine-based cancer therapies.
- Analysis of bioengineered cytokines with improved pharmacokinetic profiles.
- Examination of combination strategies involving cytokines, chemotherapy, and cellular therapies.
Main Results:
- Bioengineered cytokines show promise for improved therapeutic potential.
- Cytokines enhance the efficacy of monoclonal antibodies, immune checkpoint inhibitors, and cancer vaccines.
- Cytokines support ex vivo expansion and in vivo function of cellular therapies and aid immune reconstitution after transplantation.
Conclusions:
- Cytokine-based therapies are being revitalized, particularly for hematological malignancies.
- Combination strategies involving cytokines offer enhanced treatment options.
- Cytokines play a vital role in improving immune function and patient outcomes in oncology.
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