Immunotherapy for melanoma.
BACKGROUND
Immunotherapy for cancers is based on the principle that the host's immune system is capable of generating immune responses against tumor cells. Currently available treatments for melanoma patients are limited by poor response rates. Interferon-a has been approved for adjuvant treatment of stage III melanoma with improved survival. New and more innovative approaches with improved efficacy are needed.


METHODS
We reviewed the various new approaches and strategies for immunotherapy for the treatment of melanoma.


RESULTS
Immunotherapy for melanoma includes a number of different strategies with vaccines utilizing whole cell tumors, peptides, cytokine-mediated dendritic cells, DNA and RNA, and antibodies.


CONCLUSIONS
A variety of approaches can be used to enhance immune reactivity in patients with melanoma. Preclinical studies and initial clinical trials have shown promising results. Additional clinical trials are currently ongoing to evaluate the clinical efficacy and the associated toxicities of these novel treatment strategies.
Kim
Christina J
CJ
Department of Surgery, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL, USA.
Dessureault
Sophie
S
Gabrilovich
Dimitry
D
Reintgen
Douglas S
DS
Slingluff
Craig L
CL
D019496:Cancer Vaccines / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D018849:Controlled Clinical Trials as Topic; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007167:Immunotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D016233:Immunotherapy, Active / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D008545:Melanoma / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D011379:Prognosis; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D016019:Survival Analysis; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D019496:Cancer Vaccines