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Aptamers conjugated with quantum dots (QDs) bind to target molecules on the cellular membrane of cancer cells. QDs with a carboxyl terminal are conjugated with three types of tumor‐targeting aptamer (see picture). Various types of cancer cell are simultaneously targeted with QD‐TTA1 (605nm, light green), QD‐AS1411 (655nm, red), and QD‐MUC‐1 (705nm, violet).

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PurposeDendritic cell (DC) vaccination for melanoma was introduced because melanoma carries distinct tumor-associated antigens. The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of DC vaccination for melanoma in Korea.Materials and MethodsFive patients with stage IV and one with stage II were enrolled. Autologous monocyte-derived DCs (MoDCs) were cultured and pulsed with tumor-lysate, keyhole limpet hemocyanin, and cytokine cocktail for mature antigen-loaded DC. DC vaccination was repeated four times at 2-week intervals and 2-4×107 DC were injected each time.ResultsReduced tumor volume was observed by PET-CT in three patients after DC vaccination. Delayed type hypersensitivity responses against tumor antigen were induced in five patients. Tumor antigen-specific IFN-γ-producing peripheral blood mononuclear cells were detected with enzyme-linked immunosorbent spot in two patients. However, the overall clinical outcome showed disease progression in all patients.ConclusionIn this study, DC vaccination using tumor antigen-loaded, mature MoDCs led to tumor regression in individual melanoma patients. Further standardization of DC vaccination protocol is required to determine which parameters lead to better anti-tumor responses and clinical outcomes.