Cytokine gene-engineered vaccines.

Abstract

Cytokines modulate immune reactivity and have therefore been used to build cancer vaccines. Experimental vaccination of rodents and humans with cytokine-gene engineered tumor cells, fusion proteins between cytokines and tumor antigens, and their DNA have been shown to induce a significant immune memory, even against poorly immunogenic tumors. This immune memory can prevent tumor growth and cure initial metastases, but is poorly effective against established tumors. To date clinical trials have been confined to patients with advanced tumors; so far they suggest that this approach is safe.