Immunological monitoring in a controlled trial of immunotherapy in stage IIB malignant melanoma

Abstract

Summary.-Fifteen patients undergoing surgery for Stage IIb malignant melanoma were randomly allocated either to a group who received a vaccine of BCG mixed with irradiated autologous melanoma cells, or a control group who received no further treatment. All patients were monitored sequentially for immunological competence and tumour-directed immunity, using a wide range of techniques, and the results were compared retrospectively with their clinical course.Three months after surgery, there was a trend towards inhibition of PHA-induced lymphocyte transformation by autologous serum in patients who developed recurrent tumour within 12 months after treatment. Serum from patients who remained tumour-free for 12 months did not inhibit stimulation of autologous lymphocytes by PHA. Apart from this test, no other immunological parameters correlated either with clinical course or with the type of treatment received.

Safety and efficacy of autologous cell vaccines in solid tumors: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized control trials

“…In most studies, the patients were given the vaccine as an adjuvant following resection of the primary tumor. However, in the studies by Bota et al, and Embleton et al/McIllmurray et al, patients enrolled in the trial were undergoing surgery for a recurrence after previous therapy [14][15][16] . Similarly, Schulze et al used an autologous cell product as an adjuvant following surgical resection of liver metastasis from a previously treated synchronous or metachronous colorectal tumor 17 .…”

Estimation of Fha Induced Transformation in Peripheral Blood Lymphocytes Through Measurement of their Increased Glycolysis. An Enzymatic Microusthod

“…With the present t e s t 10/11 (918) lung cancer p a t i e n t s and 6/6 (lo@) Hodgkin p a t i e n t s showed an impaired response. (15,16).…”

Immunologic function during adjuvant BCG immunotherapy for malignant melanoma: Induction of anergy

“…Interest has therefore centered on tests of the immunological status of patients with melanoma receiving immunotherapy [6,8,9]. Such studies generally are of limited prognostic value.…”