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Cytokine-induced killer (CIK) cells form under certain stimulation conditions in cultures of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). They are a heterogeneous immune cell population and contain a high percentage of cells with a mixed T-NK phenotype (CD3+CD56+). The ready availability of a lymphocyte source, together with the high proliferative rate and potent anti-tumor activity of CIK cells, has allowed their use as immunotherapy in a wide variety of neoplasms. Cytotoxicity mediated by CD3+CD56+ T cells depends on the major histocompatibility antigen (MHC)-independent recognition of tumor cells and the activation of signaling pathways through the natural killer group 2 member D (NKG2D) cell-surface receptor. Clinical trials have demonstrated the feasibility and efficacy of CIK cell immunotherapy even in advanced stage cancer patients or those that have not responded to first-line treatment. This review summarizes biological and technical aspects of CIK cells, as well as past and current clinical trials and future trends in this form of immunotherapy.

The aim of the study is to evaluate the limb salvage rate achieved by treating locally advanced extremity sarcoma and melanoma by hyperthermic isolated limb perfusion with melphalan and TNF-α (ILP-MT).A retrospective study was conducted on patients suffering from locally advanced soft tissue sarcoma and melanoma of the limb and treated by means of ILP-MT between November 2001 and February 2010. The response rate, toxicity, complications, disease free intervals, overall survival and limb salvage rate were evaluated.A total of 30 patients (19 females and 11 males) with a median age of 60 years (14-82) were treated by this technique. The overall response rate was 93.4% (complete, 46.7%; partial 46.7%); the mean follow-up was 23 months. The median duration of response was 5 months (0-62), The median overall survival was 13.5 months (range 1 - 62). Limb salvage rate was 86.7%. Eleven patients are currently alive (5 without disease, 2 with residual disease on treatment, 2 with local progression and 2 with systemic progression).With the use of ILP-MT we have avoided the amputation of 26 limbs affected by locally advanced sarcoma or melanoma. ILP-MT is feasible and safe in a multidisciplinary environment.

e16000 Background: IAHDP has been employed as a part of the treatment of relapsed or locally advanced H&N tumors with controversial results (RADPLAT protocol). We hypothesize that patients (pts) with relapsed or locally advanced tumors in several locations can be treated with IAHDP, in order to achieve a response, to be followed by a consolidation with radiotherapy, surgery or both. Methods: Pts with relapsed or locally advanced tumors of the H&N were treated with IAHDP (150 mg/m2/wk), after an initial supraselective angiography performed with the goal of mapping adequately the arterial supply. Prevention of toxicity with hyperhydration and simultaneous and delayed thiosulfate was done according to the previous schema of the RADPLAT protocol. Results: From June 2007 to September 2011, 11 patients – 8 M/ 3F; age 37-77 y, median 56 y- were treated (10 H&N epidermoid carcinomas, 1 orbitary mts of adenocarcinoma of unknown origin). A total of 50 cycles were administered (2-9 per pt, median 4). In 4 pts IAHDP was part of the primary treatment; 7 pts were treated in relapse. Three pts were retreated after relapse, one of them two times. Five pts received radiotherapy simultaneously with IAHDP. Toxicity was generally mild and reversible. Mucositis g4 was observed in 3 cycles, facial edema requiring extra dexametasone in 7, pain during infusion in 9, nausea and vomiting in 3, lasting ipsilateral hypoacusia in 1, persistent trismus in 1. No significant alterations of renal function were observed. One pt progressed after the first cycle; 7 pts presented partial response (duration 1-6 m, median 2 m; 2 of them were converted to a complete response with surgery); 2 pts presented complete response with IAHDP simultaneous to radiotherapy. Four pts remained with no evidence of disease at 3+, 15+, 16+ and 38+ m respectively. Conclusions: IAHDP constitutes a feasible and promising therapeutic option for selected pts and a consolidation with surgery and/or radiotherapy after IAHDP is possible. Further development of this approach is warranted.

2094 Background: Usual treatment of brain tumors includes surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, but the general prognosis is bad, with local relapse as the main cause of death. PDT is a local ant...

e14104 Background: Therapeutic options for patients (pts) with advanced colorectal cancer (CRC) that have progressed to irinotecan- and oxaliplatin-based combination chemotherapy are few. Raltitrex...

e13015 Background: Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) is not routinely used for chemotherapy agents. Nonetheless, TDM has the potential to improve the clinical benefit of chemotherapy agents due to ...

13550 Background: 5-FU efficacy and toxicity depends on steady-state 5-FU plasma concentration (ss[5-FU]) and AUC 5-FU concentration-time curve. However a wide interindividual variability of plasma...