Enhancing adoptive immunotherapy of cancer.
BACKGROUND
Conventional therapies, including surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy have contributed much to cancer treatment. However, these treatment modalities fail in a large proportion of patients, and there is a great need for effective alternate therapies. Adoptive immunotherapy can be effective against some cancers that have failed all other treatment options, even when disease burdens are massive.


METHODS
This review gives a brief introduction of the historical origins of adoptive immunotherapy and then provides details of strategies for increasing the potency of cell transfer. Approaches for enhancing adoptive immunotherapy include: selecting the right type of cell; providing cytokine support; preconditioning patients and tuning the tumor microenvironment. The review also provides insights into the safety, feasibility and costs of this form of therapy.


RESULTS
This article will give the reader an appreciation of the potential of adoptive immunotherapy, as well as an understanding of some limitations and current approaches for optimizing the effectiveness of this approach.


CONCLUSIONS
With recent developments in knowledge of the interactions between the immune system and tumors, the field of adoptive immunotherapy is now poised to make dramatic contributions to cancer therapy.
Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Cancer Immunology Research Program, St. Andrews Place, Melbourne, Victoria 3002, Australia.
Jennifer A
JA
Westwood
Linda J
LJ
Berry
Leanne Xj
LX
Wang
Connie Pm
CP
Duong
Hollie J
HJ
Pegram
Phillip K
PK
Darcy
Michael H
MH
Kershaw
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D016207:Cytokines / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006801:Humans; D016219:Immunotherapy, Adoptive; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000628:therapy*; D019172:Transplantation Conditioning
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D016207:Cytokines