Combined Immunocell Therapy Using Activated Lymphocytes and Monocyte-derived Dendritic Cells for Malignant Melanoma

Abstract

Background: The beneficial effects of immunocell therapy, using either activated lymphocytes (ALs) or dendritic cells (DCs), in the treatment of melanoma has been demonstrated. DCs are professional antigen-presenting cells that induce cytotoxic T lymphocytes against tumor cells. DC therapy may be promising when combined with ALs. Patients and Methods: Patients with advanced melanoma, who underwent immunocell therapy with both ALs and DCs, were reviewed. DCs were pulsed with tumor lysates, peptides or both. Results: Side-effects were occasional slight fever and skin erythema. Among 8 of the 14 patients treated with immunocell therapy alone, 1 showed a mixed response (MR) and 1 prolonged stable disease (SD). In the remaining 6 patients treated with immunocell therapy and other conventional therapies, 1 CR, 1 MR and 1 prolonged SD for 24 months were observed. Conclusion: Combined immunocell therapy was well tolerated and showed a relatively high tumor response. This treatment may have therapeutic potential for some refractory malignancies.