Molecular cancer vaccines: Tumor therapy using antigen-specific immunizations.
Vaccination against tumors promises selective destruction of malignant cells by the host's immune system. Molecular cancer vaccines rely on recently identified tumor antigens as immunogens. Tumor antigens can be applied in many forms, as genes in recombinant vectors, as proteins or peptides representing T cell epitopes.Analysis of various aspects indicates some advantage for peptide-based vaccines over the other modalities. Further refinements and extensively monitored clinical trials are necessary to advance molecular cancer vaccines from concepts into powerful therapy.
Schweighoffer
T
T
Department Cell Biology, Boehringer Ingelheim Research and Development, Dr. Boehringer-Gasse 5, A-l 120, Wien, Austria, schweig@bender.co.at.