Melanoma vaccines: achievements and perspectives.
In the past decade, the characterisation of tumour antigens recognised by T cells has revolutionised the cancer-vaccine approach, providing for the first time the opportunity to immunise patients against cancer by using well-defined antigens. Because melanoma is one of the prototypic immunogenic tumours, a number of early-phase clinical trials have been conducted on melanoma. Some tumour regressions have been documented, mainly for patients with metastatic disease. Recent advances include new tools for monitoring the anti-cancer immune response and the development of adjuvants aimed at inducing a robust anti-melanoma immune response. Together, these developments should allow an optimal vaccination modality to be selected within the next few years.
Brichard
Vincent G
VG
Cancer Vaccines, Clinical RD and RD Departments, GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals, Rue de l'Institut 89, B-1330 Rixensart, Belgium. vincent.brichard@gskbio.com
Gérard
Catherine
C
D000951:Antigens, Neoplasm / Q000276:immunology; D019496:Cancer Vaccines / Q000276:immunology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D006801:Humans; D007167:Immunotherapy; D008545:Melanoma / Q000276:immunology / Q000628:therapy*
D000951:Antigens, Neoplasm; D019496:Cancer Vaccines