Current immunotherapeutic strategies in colon cancer.
Because chemotherapy is standard in the treatment of colorectal cancer, it is important to demonstrate whether immunizations may be given to patients receiving systemic chemotherapy. Although some studies have demonstrated immune responses in patients with metastatic colorectal carcinoma who failed standard chemotherapy, the setting of minimal residual disease may be the preferred setting for cancer vaccines. It may be important to choose antigens that have functions important to the cancer cell. The best adjuvant is not well established and may depend on the type of immune response desired. The immune system is "programmed" to down-regulate immune responses once they have become activated to avoid the development of autoimmune disease.
Morse
Michael
M
Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, 401 MSRB, Research Drive, Durham, NC 27710, USA. michael.morse@duke.edu
Langer
Lee
L
Starodub
Alexander
A
Hobeika
Amy
A
Clay
Timothy
T
Lyerly
H Kim
HK
D019496:Cancer Vaccines / Q000276:immunology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003110:Colonic Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007167:Immunotherapy / Q000379:methods / Q000639:trends; D012004:Rectal Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology; D014611:Vaccination
D019496:Cancer Vaccines