Introduction : Patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after resection has high recurrence and lead to poor prognosis. Currently, autologous cytokine-induced killer (CIK) cells immunotherapy has a promising effect to improve patients outcomes. This study aims to review the efficacy and safety of CIK cell therapy as adjuvant therapy for HCC after liver resection.

Methods : A systematic literature review was conducted in English language published between 2009 and 2019 describing either randomized control trials (RCTs) or Retrospective Cohort studies investigating efficacy and safety of CIK therapy as adjuvant therapy after curative resection of HCC. Pubmed and Cochrane were searched and PRISMA statements displayed.

Results : A total of 2.419 patients from 7 studies were reviewed. 3 RCTs and 3 cohort studies were identified comparing RFS rates and OS in CIK groups and control groups. One cohort was found comparing OS in CIK group and control group. Generally, study outcome homogeneity was observed stating that RFS rates and OS were significantly higher in CIK groups than the control group. Minimal and self-limiting adverse effects were found.

Conclusions : Results of this systematic review suggest that CIK could be beneficiary as an adjuvant treatment to improve outcomes of HCC patients with minimal adverse effects. Further studies are needed to evaluate the use of CIK in early-stage HCC.