
Dendritic cells (DCs) are the body’s most potent antigen-presenting cells. They accurately identify tumor markers and send out a "wanted notice" to the immune system. Cytokine-induced killer (CIK) cells act as an elite combat unit that launches targeted attacks upon receiving these signals. The two cell types work in synergy to form a complete immune closed loop: "Recognition — Antigen Presentation — Tumor Killing".
Malignant tumors rank among the world’s deadliest diseases. Conventional radiotherapy and chemotherapy kill cancer cells yet extensively damage healthy immune cells in the process, triggering immune collapse and drastically elevating risks of tumor recurrence and metastasis. Every minute, countless lives are lost to cancer worldwide.
1. Approximately 20 Million
New cancer cases globally in 2022 (GLOBOCAN data)
2. 4.82 Million
Annual new cancer diagnoses in China, the highest volume worldwide
3. Every 3 Seconds
One person globally receives a cancer diagnosis every three seconds
4. 60%
Estimated proportion of patients facing recurrence or metastasis within 5 years post-surgery
Surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy can only eliminate visible tumor masses. Micro-metastatic lesions lingering in the body may relapse months or years later. Without systematic immune reconstitution, the risks of recurrence and metastasis persist — this is the core value of DC-CIK cell therapy.
DC-CIK therapy establishes a full, efficient tumor-specific immune response cascade through four core stages: "Recognition — Antigen Presentation — Tumor Killing — Tumor Apoptosis", enabling precise identification and multi-pathway elimination of malignant cells.
1. Tumor Antigen Recognition
DCs identify specific antigens released by tumor cells via surface receptors, capturing and processing them to form antigenic peptides.
2. Antigen Presentation
Mature DCs deliver antigenic information to T cells and CIK cells to initiate a specific immune response, analogous to generals issuing enemy identification orders to troops.
3. Precise Attack by CIK Cells
Activated CIK cells travel through the bloodstream to tumor tissues, recognize and tightly bind cancer cells to form stable immunological synapses.
4. Induction of Tumor Apoptosis
CIK cells release perforins and granzymes, induce tumor cell apoptosis via the Fas/FasL pathway, and secrete cytokines to exert sustained effects on the tumor microenvironment.
DC-CIK is not a standalone treatment but a systematic immune reconstitution program. United Life pioneers the "1+5+N" methodology paired with the FRESH rehabilitation model for refractory diseases, delivering markedly superior outcomes compared to single conventional therapies.
1. Precision Targeting, Dual-Action Attack
DCs handle tumor antigen recognition and accurate presentation, while CIK cells execute clearance. Operating in tandem like guided missiles and snipers, they effectively target and eradicate residual tumor cells and micro-metastases.
2. Multi-Source Cells with Safe, Controllable Profiles
Both autologous and allogeneic cell sources are available for clinical application.
3. Synergistic Effect with Radiotherapy & Chemotherapy (1+1 > 2)
Concurrent DC-CIK administration during chemotherapy significantly alleviates chemotherapeutic side effects and elevates white blood cell counts. Post-chemotherapy cell reinfusion clears residual cancer cells and effectively prevents recurrence and metastasis.
The full DC-CIK treatment cycle spans roughly 14 to 21 days.
1. Medical Condition Assessment
Multidisciplinary consultation to develop personalized treatment regimens.
2. Blood Sample Collection
Non-invasive extraction of 50–100 mL peripheral blood.
3. Ex Vivo Cell Culture
Cell expansion within GMP-grade laboratories.
4. Quality Inspection
Triple testing for cell viability, purity and biosafety.
5. Intravenous Reinfusion
Fractionated cell transfusion paired with long-term follow-up management.
The Greater Bay Area International Comprehensive Cell Bank and regional cell preparation centers (Class B+A laboratories) are constructed in compliance with U.S. FDA standards. Every cell batch undergoes rigorous multi-layer screening under internationally recognized certification systems.
1. FDA Compliance
Stringent adherence to U.S. FDA laboratory construction standards
2. GMP Standards
Good Manufacturing Practice; full workflows aligned with international cGMP criteria
3. ISO Certification
ISO 9001 quality management system accreditation
Five integrated modules run through the entire treatment cycle. Each therapy session is not an isolated intervention, but a complete program designed to enhance overall life quality.
● F · Far-Reaching All-Round Health Management Support System: Disease course management, medical coordination, home-based rehabilitation, therapeutic follow-up, multidisciplinary specialist care
● R · Restorative Psychotherapy: Cognitive therapy, behavioral therapy, mindfulness therapy, family healing interventions
● E · Expert MDT Multidisciplinary Therapy: Cross-disciplinary clinical specialists, physical therapy, pain management, lifestyle medicine
● S · Systematic Cellular Intervention: Customized systematic cell therapy regimens tailored to individual disease types
● H · Healthy Functional Nutritional Supplements: Vascular conditioning formulations, immunity-boosting supplements, nerve repair nutrients, comprehensive wellness regulators
1. Stage IV Invasive Adenocarcinoma of the Right Lung Case
69-year-old Ms. D diagnosed with invasive adenocarcinoma of the right lung (cT2N3M1b Stage IVA), complicated by pleural and bone metastasis with EGFR L858R mutation. She previously received osimertinib monotherapy, then discontinued the drug for combined targeted and anti-bone-metastasis treatment, followed by maintenance anti-bone-metastasis therapy without targeted agents.
She commenced United Life’s immunotherapy regimen on October 11, 2025, receiving 8 treatment sessions at approximately 8-day intervals.
Treatment dates:
2025: Oct 11, Oct 18, Oct 28, Nov 4
2026: Jan 13, Jan 20, Jan 27, Feb 3
Post-treatment CEA level decreased by 80%; CYFRA21-1 and ProBNP levels remained persistently negative.
2. Stage IV Gastric Cancer Case
50-year-old Mr. L diagnosed with gastric adenocarcinoma (cT4aN2M1 Stage IV) with peritoneal and partial lymph node metastasis, HER2-negative. He underwent first-line chemotherapy (oxaliplatin + S-1). After short-term disease stabilization, tumor markers rebounded accompanied by fatigue, poor appetite and weight loss. He started United Life’s immunotherapy program on April 8, 2025, completing 8 sessions at 14-day intervals.
Treatment dates:
2025: Apr 8, Apr 15, Apr 29, May 13, May 27, Jun 10, Jun 24, Jul 8
The patient tolerated treatment well overall with no severe adverse reactions observed.
Q1. Will DC-CIK therapy interfere with my ongoing radiotherapy or chemotherapy?
DC-CIK is designed to work synergistically with radiotherapy, chemotherapy and targeted therapy. Chemoradiotherapy reduces tumor burden while DC-CIK concurrently restores immune function, delivering reduced toxicity and enhanced efficacy rather than therapeutic conflict. Our multidisciplinary team will coordinate the timing and matching of treatments according to your full clinical plan.
Q2. What is the total cost of a full treatment course? Is full cost transparency guaranteed?
Total expenses vary by cancer type, regimen design and number of treatment sessions, so a universal quotation is not available. We commit to presenting a full breakdown of all costs before finalizing your treatment plan with no hidden fees, ensuring you make fully informed decisions.
Q3. How will follow-up care be arranged after I return to my home country? Can local hospitals coordinate treatment?
Prior to your departure, we will issue a complete treatment report and follow-up recommendations, alongside a remote monitoring schedule with fixed review milestones. Our team can assist local physicians in reviewing your clinical records and maintain a 24-hour emergency response hotline to ensure uninterrupted care.
Submit your medical records to receive a personalized professional assessment within 48 hours. Our free evaluation carries no treatment obligations, delivering objective, expert guidance to help you avoid detours on your anti-cancer journey.