Optimizing Cytokine-Induced Killer Cells in Glioblastoma Patients

The goal of this prospective observational cohort study is to assess the optimal in vitro production protocol for generating Cytokine-Induced Killer (CIK) cells, a type of T lymphocyte, and to evaluate the potential adverse effects of concurrent neuro-oncology therapies on these cells in glioblastoma (GBM) patients. Additionally, the study aims to explore mechanisms to enhance the antitumor activity of CIK cells against GBM by investigating GBM's immune escape mechanisms that may counteract the Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA)-independent activity of CIK cells.

The main questions it aims to answer are:

What is the most effective in vitro production protocol for generating highly active CIK cells from GBM patients? Do concurrent chemoradiotherapy or steroid treatments interfere with the activation or efficacy of CIK cells? What are potential strategies to counteract GBM immune escape mechanisms against CIK cells? Researchers will compare CIK cells produced under different protocols, including the use of media supplemented with commercial blood derivatives, to identify the most effective protocol and evaluate the impact of concomitant therapies on CIK cell functionality.

Participants will:

Undergo a single peripheral blood collection (GBM patients and healthy controls).

Have mononuclear cells isolated from their blood samples and expanded in vitro as CIK cells using various production protocols.

Have their CIK cells tested in vitro to assess activation status and antitumor activity, identifying optimal production methods and potential strategies to overcome GBM immune escape.