Immune response to specific human tumors

Abstract

Immunization with tumor cells or tumor extracts preventing the growth of subsequently grafted cells provided the proof for immunogenicity of some animal tumors. The demonstration of antigenicity of experimental tumors and the beneficial effects of immunotherapy in animal models generated great expectations for cancer treatment. Active specific immunotherapy in patients was attempted by several investigators using various vaccines such as irradiated autologous tumor cells allogeneic or extracts of the corresponding histologic type. This chapter discussesthe potential of the combined treatment modalities including tumor debulking, followed by active immunization with tumor material, and by administration of cytokines, other biological response modifiers (BRMs), and antitumor antibodies in various combinations. The new ideas for immunotherapy propose readministration of autologous tumor–reactive T cells transfected with cytokine–encoding genes, and the use of encapsulated cytokines directed by antibodies to the tumor cells. These may home in on the tumor tissue and deliver large quantities of cytokines. The therapeutic efficacy of these two modalities is not yet known.