Immunotherapy of cancer using dendritic cells.

While the promise of harnessing the immune system for a therapeutic effect has remained largely unfulfilled for many years, the discovery of the central role of dendritic cells in stimulating antigen-specific immune responses has prompted new enthusiasm for immunotherapy of malignancies. Elucidation of the pathways of dendritic cell development and trafficking, acquisition and processing of antigen, and stimulation of T cells has suggested methods for generating and antigen-loading dendritic cells for use in immunotherapy protocols. Animal models have demonstrated that dendritic cells can stimulate protective antitumor responses in vivo. Phase I clinical trials have been initiated to address the safety and feasibility of immunizations with dendritic cells in humans with various malignancies.

Duke Scholars

Author Michael Aaron Morse Medicine, Medical Oncology

Author Herbert Kim Lyerly Surgery, Surgical Sciences