Antigen specific active immunotherapy: lessons from the first decade.
Malignant melanoma is a tumour with a steeply rising incidence and scarce therapeutic options once metastatic. Approximately 1200 new cases are reported yearly in Switzerland with roughly 220 deaths/year. An important particularity of melanoma is its immunogenicity, which has long been recognized and investigated using various clinical immunization protocols in the last fifty years. The year 1991, when the first melanoma associated antigen was molecularly characterized, represents a turning point in the quest for a melanoma immunotherapy. This opened the era of antigen specific active immunotherapy. Many clinical centres have developed immunization strategies in an adjuvant setting for the treatment of metastatic melanoma. The molecular characterization of melanoma associated antigens allows a fine monitoring of the elicited immune response. Certain clinical responses to these efforts have been seen and a phase of reflection is now ongoing, with refinements and further sophistication taking place in order to fully realize the potential of antigen specific active immunotherapy. Here we provide an overview of the technologies used and of the progress reported in melanoma immunotherapy since 1991. Furthermore, we propose some research lines in basic and translational research aimed at improving our capacity to induce specific and clinically relevant immune responses against melanoma.
Adamina
Michel
M
Institute of Surgical Research and Hospital Management, University Hospital Basel, Switzerland. madamina@uhbs.ch
Oertli
Daniel
D
D000951:Antigens, Neoplasm / Q000494:pharmacology*; D019496:Cancer Vaccines / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002985:Clinical Protocols; D000939:Epitopes / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007167:Immunotherapy / Q000379:methods*; D008545:Melanoma / Q000628:therapy; D010455:Peptides / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013557:Switzerland
D000951:Antigens, Neoplasm; D019496:Cancer Vaccines; D000939:Epitopes; D010455:Peptides