Vaccine Biotherapy of Cancer: Autologous Tumor Cells and Dendritic Cells

Patients were stratified by whether they had no measurable disease [NMD] at the time of treatment (usually because of surgical resection of metastases), or whether they had objectively measurable disease (OMD) by physical examination or radiologic scans per response evaluation criteria in solid tumors (RECIST criteria). Key endpoints were the results of delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) skin testing to their own irradiated tumor cells, event-free survival [death or disease progression], overall survival, and objective tumor regression in patients who have measurable disease at the time vaccine therapy was initiated. This study was activated in the fall of 2000, and closed to accrual in June 2007.

Inclusion criteria

• Recurrent or metastatic melanoma as defined by stage IV disease (distant metastases), or any recurrent melanoma manifested by lymph node metastases or soft tissue nodules
• ECOG Performance status of 0-2
• Satisfactory medical condition for treatment in a phase I-II trial of anticancer therapy
• Age > 16 years
• Venous access for leukopheresis procedure to obtain peripheral blood lymphocytes to generate dendritic cells.
• Serum pregnancy test must be negative for women of childbearing potential.

Exclusion criteria

• Active central nervous system metastases
• Known autoimmune disease or disease process that involves the use of immunosuppressive therapy.
• Underlying cardiac disease associated with New York Heart Association class III or IV function, or unstable angina related to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
• Ongoing transfusion requirements, no significant hepatic or renal dysfunction, creatinine < 2.0 mg/dl, bilirubin < 2.0 mg/dl, albumin > 3.0 mg/dl, hematocrit > 25, platelets > 100,000.
• Active infection or other active medical condition that could be eminently life threatening, including no active blood clotting or bleeding diathesis.