Units

PubMed

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Citation

Type

Journal

Publication Date

Issn Electronic

Pages

Brief description/objective

For several decades, approaches utilizing nonspecific immune stimulants have provided evidence that the immune system, when properly activated, may eradicate cancer cells. However, it was only after the identification of the first human tumor-associated antigen, less than a decade ago, that development of specific vaccination procedures for cancer patients became feasible. Recent insights into the pivotal role of dendritic cells (DCs) for initiation and regulation of immune responses have allowed the design of DC-based tumor vaccination trials. In addition, the development of methods to raise large numbers of DCs from peripheral blood monocytes has paved the way for their clinical application. Tumor-specific vaccination utilizing antigen-loaded autologous DCs, has become practical and applicable to patients and may lead to vigorous antitumor responses. This review outlines recent progress, obstacles still to be overcome, and the future potential of DC-based vaccination. Copyright 2000 S. Karger GmbH, Freiburg