Activation and increased cytolytic activity of tumor specific T lymphocytes after laser-induced thermotherapy (LITT) in patients with liver metastases of colorectal cancer

Local ablation is an extensively used treatment of inoperable solid liver tumors. We could recently show a clear immuno modulatory side effect with a significant activation of tumor specific T cells after radiofrequency ablation in a VX2 liver tumor model in rabbits and in patients. This study provide that these putative side effects of ablation of solid malignancy in the liver can be also found after LiTT of colorectal cancer metastases to the liver. Materials and Methods: 11 patients with liver metastases of colorectal cancer underwent LITT. Blood was sampled before and after LITT. Test antigens were autologou…