title: Immunotherapy in multiple myeloma--possibility or probability?
abstract: In a small number of patients with multiple myeloma (MM), long-term disease-free survival has been achieved by harnessing the immune phenomenon, 'graft-versus-tumour' effect, induced by allogeneic haemopoietic stem cell transplantation. This has prompted many investigators to examine ways in which a patient's own immune system can be more effectively directed against their disease, with the ultimate aim of tumour eradication. In this review we assess the current understanding of immunobiology in MM, and how the different components of the immune system, such as dendritic cells, T cells and natural killer cells, may be harnessed using in-vitro and in-vivo priming techniques. We look at the clinical immunotherapy trials reported to date and whether, in light of the current information, immunotherapy for MM is an achievable goal.
authors.affiliation: ATMU and Cancer Division, Section of Experimental Haematology, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.
authors.forename: S J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Harrison
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Cook
mesh_terms: D019264:Adoptive Transfer; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000008:administration & dosage; D019496:Cancer Vaccines; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003713:Dendritic Cells / Q000637:transplantation; D018572:Disease-Free Survival; D020350:Graft vs Tumor Effect; D006801:Humans; D007167:Immunotherapy / Q000379:methods*; D007694:Killer Cells, Natural / Q000637:transplantation; D017710:Lymphocyte Transfusion; D009101:Multiple Myeloma / Q000276:immunology / Q000628:therapy*; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000637:transplantation
chemical_list: D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D019496:Cancer Vaccines