cytokine-induced killer cell + gefitinib

This is a combination therapy consisting of cytokine-induced killer (CIK) cells and gefitinib. CIK cells are ex vivo-expanded immune effector cells derived from peripheral blood mononuclear cells, stimulated with interferon-gamma, anti-CD3 antibody, interleukin-1, and interleukin-2. They possess both T cell and natural killer (NK) cell properties and mediate major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-unrestricted cytotoxicity against a broad range of tumor cells through mechanisms involving NKG2D receptor activation, FasL/perforin-mediated lysis, and secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IFN-γ and TNF-α[1][2][3][5]. Gefitinib is an oral small molecule inhibitor targeting the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase. The rationale for combining CIK cell therapy with gefitinib is to enhance antitumor efficacy by leveraging both direct tumor cytotoxicity from CIK cells and targeted inhibition of EGFR signaling by gefitinib.