Cellular immunotherapy for ovarian cancer.
BACKGROUND
Ovarian cancer is frequently diagnosed at an advanced stage, and although initially responsive to surgery and chemotherapy, has a high rate of recurrence and mortality. Cellular immunotherapy may offer the prospect of treatment to prevent or delay recurrent metastatic disease.


OBJECTIVE
To provide an overview of current innovations in cellular immunotherapy for ovarian cancer, with an emphasis on dendritic cell vaccination and adoptive T-cell immunotherapy.


METHODS
Three key areas are explored in this review: first, an appraisal of the current state of the art of cellular immunotherapy for treatment of ovarian cancer; second, a discussion of the immunological defenses erected by ovarian cancer to prevent immunological attack, with an emphasis on the role of tumor-associated regulatory T cells; and third, an exploration of innovative techniques that may enhance the ability of cellular immunotherapy to overcome ovarian tumor-associated immune suppression.


CONCLUSIONS
Ovarian cancer is recognized as a paradigm for tumor-associated immune suppression. Innovative approaches for antagonism of tumor-associated regulatory T-cell infiltration and redirection of self antigen-driven regulatory T-cell activation may provide the key to development of future strategies for cellular immunotherapy against ovarian cancer.
Cannon
Martin J
MJ
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, 4301 West Markham, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA. mjcannon@uams.edu
O'Brien
Timothy J
TJ
D019264:Adoptive Transfer; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010051:Ovarian Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy*; D050378:T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / Q000637:transplantation