Progress in dendritic cell tumor vaccines in cancer immunotherapy / 医学研究生学报

ABSTRACT

A novel approach of vaccination against cancer is to exploit dendritic cells (DC) as the best antigen presenting cells (APC) and actively immunize cancer patients with a sample of autologous or allogeneic DC primed with tumor antigens. DC vaccination is still at its early stage, however, valuable proofs of concept have been obtained with respect to the capacity of DC to expand cancer directed immune responses. The methods for preparing DC are being improved continuously, and there are many opportunities to improve efficacy at the level of DC biology. An increased number of clinical studies will drive the development of this new area. This paper reviews the production of dendritic cell tumor vaccines and their use in clinical trials, as well as emphasizes some unresolved questions in this immunotherapy.