title: Immunologic therapy targeting metastatic melanoma: allovectin-7.
abstract: In the USA, the incidence of cutaneous melanoma is increasing rapidly. It has been shown to be responsive to immune-stimulating drugs. Allovectin-7 allows the immune system to recognize metastatic melanoma lesions as foreign by incorporating a MHC class I complex into the tumor through direct injection. Once transfected, tumor biopsies have shown an increased presence of cytotoxic T lymphocytes in the tumor beds themselves. Phase I and II trials have shown local and systemic response to these tumors, with an excellent safety profile. Currently, a Phase III trial has completed enrollment and is set to determine the safety and efficacy of treatment in comparison with standard chemotherapy.
authors.affiliation: University of Colorado Cancer Center, Anshutz Cancer Pavilion, PO Box 6510, Mail Stop F 703, Aurora, CO 80045, USA.
authors.forename: Rozina
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Chowdhery
authors.forename: Rene
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Gonzalez
mesh_terms: D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004274:DNA, Recombinant / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015316:Genetic Therapy / Q000379:methods; D015793:HLA-B7 Antigen / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D007167:Immunotherapy / Q000379:methods; D008055:Lipids / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008081:Liposomes; D008545:Melanoma / Q000276:immunology / Q000628:therapy*; D009362:Neoplasm Metastasis / Q000276:immunology / Q000628:therapy; D010957:Plasmids; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy; D013602:T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic / Q000276:immunology*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: C096492:Allovectin-7; D004274:DNA, Recombinant; D015793:HLA-B7 Antigen; D008055:Lipids; D008081:Liposomes