Immunotherapy after bone marrow transplantation.
Residual disease after bone marrow transplantation (BMT) can either cause relapse or persist in a balanced state in which immune mechanisms keep control over malignant cell proliferation. After allogeneic BMT the latter mechanism [summarized as graft-versus-leukemia (GVL)] is probably supported by cellular (e.g. T lymphocytes, natural killer cells) and humoral (e.g. cytokines) effectors and often linked to clinical manifestations of GVHD. Preclinical and clinical studies are now emerging in which cytokines, such as interleukin-2 or interferons, are given after BMT to support cellular immune function particularly in situations in which GVL does not occur. We summarize here results from both pre-clinical and clinical studies that are relevant to the design of protocols seeking to improve elimination of residual malignant disease in BMT patients by modulation of the immune system.
Klingemann
H G
HG
Division of Hematology, BC Cancer Agency, Vancouver General Hospital, Canada.
Phillips
G L
GL
D000818:Animals; D016026:Bone Marrow Transplantation / Q000276:immunology; D006086:Graft vs Host Disease / Q000276:immunology; D016298:Hematopoietic Cell Growth Factors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007167:Immunotherapy; D007372:Interferons / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007378:Interleukins / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007938:Leukemia / Q000276:immunology / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy
D016298:Hematopoietic Cell Growth Factors; D007378:Interleukins; D007372:Interferons