Long-term tumor suppression in cholangiocarcinoma using cytokine-induced killer cell therapy and high-dose vitamin C: a case report

This case study explores the effectiveness of autologous cytokine-induced killer (CIK) cell-based immunotherapy in a 49-year-old male patient with inoperable stage IIIb cholangiocarcinoma, characterized by high levels of the sodium-dependent vitamin C transporter-2 (SVCT2) in immune cells. Despite an initial lack of tumor reduction following chemotherapy, the patient showed a significant decrease in tumor markers and stabilization of the tumor after undergoing radiation and proton therapy. Subsequently, CIK cell therapy, combined with high-dose vitamin C, was administered 52 times over 6 years. The patient's tumor size reduced, and no cancer activity was detected for 7 years and 10 months post-diagnosis, indicating a successful long-term outcome without recurrence. This study suggests that CIK cell therapy, particularly in patients with elevated SVCT2 levels, may offer a promising adjuvant treatment for cholangiocarcinoma and potentially other cancers. Further research is needed to validate SVCT2 as a biomarker for the effectiveness of CIK cell therapy.