Possibilities of using dendritic cell vaccine in treatment of radiation injury of the bladder

Background. Radiation therapy for patients with cervical and endometrial cancer is often associated with the development of radiation cystitis which is treated mainly symptomatically.

Objective was the rationale for dendritic cell vaccines in the treatment of the bladder damage after radiation therapy.

Materials and methods. The treatment effectiveness of late radiation damage to the bladder in 26 oncogynecologic patients after chemoradiotherapy was analyzed in the article.

Results. The effectiveness of 25.000.000 autologous dendritic cells vaccine introduced into all the tops of the rhombus of Michaelis for 5 cycles with 2-week intervals was proved. Mucosal erosions, ulcerous defects and telangiectasia during dendritic cell therapy were managed in 100, 81.8 and 78.6 % of cases, respectively, while in control — in 66.7, 50 and 30 % of cases, respectively (p <0.05). One of the mechanisms of action of dendritic cell vaccines in the treatment of radiation injuries may comprise a high phenotypic plasticity of dendritic cells and macrophages and their ability to regulate inflammatory and anti-inflammatory functions and regenerate and repair damaged tissues.

Conclusion. The results of treatment for radiation cystitis resistant to the standard anti-inflammatory therapies demonstrate the obvious benefits of immunotherapy.

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