A stem cell is a cell with the ability to self-replicate throughout the life of an organism and can differentiate or give rise to many cell types upon stimulation and given the right conditions.  Stem cells have the potential to develop into functioning mature cells characteristic of different tissues or organs. In contrast, most cells in the body are already differentiated, have limited life spans and cannot give rise to other types of cells.
Mesenchymal stem cells are nonhematopoetic stromal cells that are capable of differentiating into and contributing to the regeneration of mesenchymal tissues.  They were first indenfied in bone marrow.  Actually, they are a rare cell type and in body mass, they make up about 1 in 10,000 nucleated cells.  Cells with mesenchymal stem characteristics reside in virtually all post natal organs and tissues and show phenotypic heterogeneity.  They are not immortal however they are capable of many population doublings in culture without loss of functionality.  These culture expanded MSCs exhibited heterogeneity in differentiation potential, which is related to the tissue source.  When MSCs are delivered systemically, they migrate to sites of injury.  This property is called homing.  Hence they are used in cell-based clinical therapies such as tissue engineering, cell replacement therapy, and to stimulate reparative events or to inhibit degenerative events.

 

DC+CIK:
CIK (cytokine-induced killer), is a significant form of immunotherapy. CIK cells have the capacity to recognize and fight cancerous cells. DC+CIK consists of CIK cells and DC cells (Dendritic cells). Dendritic cells notably are the most potent antigen-presenting cells.  When used in combination, it boosts CIK cells to recognize the antigens on cancer cells with more precision.  Thus, DC+CIK can selectively destroy tumor cells more efficiently and effectively.  In terms of adverse effects, there are virtually no pronounced reactions. DC+CIK has been applied to treat several forms of cancer such as kidney, liver, breast, gastric, ovarian, prostate, colon, rectal, and lung cancers.  There are significant effects resulting from such.  These are the following: prevention of tumor growth, recurrence and metastasis, alleviation of tumor pain, boost immunity, prolongation of life and the improvement of the patients’ quality of life.



DC+CIK therapy uses CIK cells which are induced and transferred by dendritic cells (DC). Since Dendritic cells are the most potent form of antigen-presenting cells, DC cells have the capacity to present/identify the tumor antigen to CIK cells and thereby doubly activating the CIK cells capability to recognize cancerous cells.
DC+CIK combination therapy has a greater precision to find and eliminate tumor cells.  And as an added benefit, the efficacy of chemotherapy is enhanced by DC+CIK treatment through its effect on increasing the susceptibility of cancer cells to such therapy.