Clinical Immunology Department

Adoptive immunotherapy is a personalized form of non-specific cellular immunotherapy with activated lymphocytes. In this technique, immune cells are taken from the patient’s peripheral blood and treated with cytokines to increase their functional activity. Then the cells are returned to the patient, which leads to the activation of various links of immunity, strengthening of immune response against malignant tumor, overcoming the existing tumor immunosuppression, reducing the severity of pain syndrome, improving the quality of life of the cancer patient.

NK cells (natural killer cells) are a special population of blood cells that can destroy a tumor cell (the so-called cytotoxic effect develops). These cells make up no more than 10-15% of all lymphocytes. Using special techniques, the number of NK-cells can be significantly increased and their introduction to the patient allows to achieve a stronger anti-tumor effect.

Thanks to the patented technology – Adoptive Immunotherapy, in vitro activation of immune system cells (T-cells, NKT-lymphocytes, NK-cells) using cytokine-activated lymphocytes, natural killer cells (NK-cells) is carried out.

A detailed immunologic study – an immunogram – serves as a preparation for the adopting immunotherapy.

The procedure for obtaining activated cells of the immune system includes the following steps:

1. Venous peripheral blood is collected from the patient/donor;
2. Mononuclear cells are isolated from the peripheral blood under sterile conditions;
3. Given the number of these cells, they are placed in complete nutrient medium supplemented with IL-2 and IL-15 and incubated for 14 days in thermostat;
4. The growth efficiency and activation of immune cells in suspension culture are monitored daily, and the morphology of cell cultures is assessed.

5. The sterility of the preparation is monitored;

6. Cell viability and functional activity are assessed;

7. Every 72 hours of cultivation a part of suspension cytokine-activated immune cells in the amount from 2 to 10 million is collected and injected into the patient paravertebral intradermally in 2-4 points;

8. Introduction of cells is standardized on days 3, 5, 7, 9 and 11, further treatment continues according to the individual scheme without long breaks;

9. If necessary, a part of activated cells is stored in liquid nitrogen (oncobiobank).

The decision on treatment with the method of additive immunotherapy is made at an extended consultation. To get a referral to the extended consultation, you should contact the Consultation and Polyclinic Department of A. Tsyb Medical Radiological Research Centre (MRRC) – branch of the National Medical Research Radiological Centre (NMRRC) for an appointment with an oncologist-immunologist. Record by phone: +7 (800) 250 – 87- 00.

Treatment is carried out in The Center of Cell Therapy, Immunocorrection and Immunotherapy, which includes two departments of the A.Tsyb MRRC- Department of Antitumor Drug Therapy and Department of Laboratory Medicine.

Adoptive immunotherapy is provided under paid medical services.