A phase I/IIa clinical trial in stage IV melanoma of an autologous tumor-dendritic cell fusion (dendritoma) vaccine with low dose interleukin-2.

BACKGROUND: Stage IV melanoma has high mortality, largely unaffected by traditional therapies. Immunotherapy including cytokine therapies and checkpoint inhibitors improves outcomes, but has significant toxicities. In this phase I/IIa trial, we investigated safety and efficacy of a dendritoma vaccine, an active, specific immunotherapy, in stage IV melanoma patients. METHODS: Autologous tumor lysate and dendritic cells were fused creating dendritoma vaccines for each patient. Phase I patients were vaccinated every 3 months with IL-2 given for 5 days after initial inoculation. Phase IIa patients were vaccinated every 6 weeks with IL-2 given on days 1, 3 and 5 after initial inoculation. Toxicity and clinical outcomes were assessed. RESULTS: Twenty-five patients were enrolled and inoculated. All dendritoma and IL-2 toxicities were

Duke Scholars

Author Garth S Herbert Surgical Oncology