Regenerative Therapy
CIK Cell Therapy
Your own lymphocytes, cultured into a dual-natured killer population.
What is CIK Cell Therapy?
Cytokine-induced killer cells are grown from your own blood. A defined sequence of cytokines in culture pushes ordinary lymphocytes toward a hybrid phenotype carrying features of both T cells and natural killer cells, allowing them to recognise abnormal cells without the tissue-matching restriction a conventional T cell requires. The distinguishing CD3+CD56+ fraction is measured before any batch is released, because that number is what separates a genuine CIK product from a plain lymphocyte expansion.
Key benefits
- 01Autologous — prepared from a routine blood collection, no apheresis
- 02Large cell yield from a modest starting sample
- 03Released only after the hybrid cell fraction is verified
- 04Divided across several short infusions rather than one large dose
- 05Combines readily with nutrient and antioxidant support
How it works
The sequence, from first records to follow-up
- 01
Blood collection
A standard venous collection provides the mononuclear cells the protocol starts from. There is no apheresis machine and no all-day appointment.
- 02
Cytokine induction
In culture, the cells are exposed to a defined cytokine sequence over two to three weeks, driving them toward a dual-natured killer phenotype that carries features of both T and natural killer cells.
- 03
Phenotype verification
Before release we confirm the proportion of CD3+CD56+ cells, since that fraction is what distinguishes a genuine CIK product from a plain lymphocyte expansion.
- 04
Fractionated infusion
The expanded population is usually divided across two to four infusions in the same week rather than given as one large dose.
- 05
Follow-up bloods
Immune and inflammatory markers are repeated at four to six weeks, and the outcome is discussed against your baseline rather than in isolation.
What to expect
Before
One blood collection appointment, then a wait of two to three weeks while the culture runs. Nothing is required of you during that period.
During
Infusions are short — around thirty minutes each — and given on consecutive or alternating days depending on the schedule agreed.
After
Transient fever, chills or muscle ache within the first day are reported by a minority of patients and reflect immune activation rather than infection.
Your own lymphocytes, cultured into a dual-natured killer population.
CIK Cell Therapy — Questions Patients Ask
What actually makes a cell 'cytokine-induced'?
The cytokine sequence used in culture pushes ordinary lymphocytes toward a hybrid phenotype that can recognise abnormal cells without the tissue-matching restrictions a normal T cell needs. That hybrid fraction is what we measure before release.
Are these my own cells?
Yes. CIK is autologous, prepared from your own blood, which is why compatibility is not a concern and why the collection step comes first.
How does it compare with NK therapy?
CIK generally yields a larger cell number from a modest blood draw, while NK protocols produce a more specialised population. Which suits you depends on your immune profile and what the programme is supporting.
Can it be combined with other therapies?
It is frequently scheduled alongside nutrient and antioxidant infusions. Combining it with other cell-based immunotherapies in the same window is decided case by case, not routinely.
Reviewed by Bangkok Stem Cell Center Medical Team | Last updated: August 2026
Related protocols
MSC TherapyMedical team-guided stem cell therapy using mesenchymal cells for joint, immune and whole-body recovery.
Exosome TherapySignalling-rich exosome protocols, often combined with stem cell therapy, supporting tissue repair, recovery and aesthetics.
NK & NKT Cell ImmunotherapyNatural killer and NKT cell programs to support immune surveillance, frequently used alongside stem cell protocols.
Next step
Send us your records. We will tell you what is realistic.
A medical team member reads your history before anything is quoted or scheduled. If cellular therapy is unlikely to move your numbers, we say so and point you somewhere more useful.
Mon – Sat
Clinic hours by appointment.