Conclusions
Autologous CIK cells in combination with SOX demonstrated a good safety profile as the first-line therapy in locally advanced or metastatic GC patients. Although the PFS and OS in the CIK-SOX group were not statistically significantly different compared to those in the SOX alone group, the treatment prolonged the PFS and OS duration, with the absolute improvement in OS duration of about 8.05 months. Continuous benefit of autologous CIK cells in combination with SOX was observed during long-term follow-up.