ABSTRACT We developed immunocell BRM activated killer (BAK) therapy using autologous lymphocytes propagated in a serum-free culture medium and activated using immobilized anti-CD3 antibody, IL-2, and IFN- α. The CD56+, CD59+, and CD158+ multifunctional integrated cells-the effector cells of BAK therapy-kill only cancer cells, with no effect on normal cells, eliminating adverse reactions and ensuring satisfactory QOL. We enrolled 70 immunosuppressed patients whose immunosuppressive acidic protein (IAP) levels in serum were > 580 µg/ml, and 188 immunoreactive highly advanced solid cancer outpatients whose IAP level in serum were 580 µg/ml. This interventional study showed that mean survival of immunosuppressed patients was 5.0 months and that survival of immunoreactive patients (stage III and IV) was 32.8 months. The Community Study Application Center (nonprofit organization, Sendai, Japan) administered a mail-in questionnaire survey to 108 patients who underwent therapy for advanced stage III or IV cancer to determine satisfaction with the therapy. Seventy percent of the 75 responding (collection rate: 69%) expressed positive views of the therapy; 55% indicated they were satisfied with the therapy (i.e., recognized the effects of therapy); 15% indicated they gradually became aware of therapy results, eventually leading to satisfaction with the therapy. These results indicate that therapy to prolong life while avoiding adverse reactions can generate high satisfaction rates, even among patients with highly advanced cancer.
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