autologous tumor cell vaccine (Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute)

The autologous tumor cell vaccine developed by the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute is a personalized immunotherapy designed for patients with high-grade brain tumors, such as glioblastoma multiforme. The vaccine is manufactured by harvesting a patient's own tumor cells during surgical resection, which are then processed to serve as a source of tumor-associated antigens. Upon administration, these cells present a comprehensive array of patient-specific antigens to the immune system, aiming to prime T-cells to recognize and eliminate residual malignant cells. In clinical protocols at Karmanos, this vaccine has been evaluated as part of a multi-modal regimen following high-dose chemotherapy (cyclophosphamide, cisplatin, and carmustine) and autologous stem cell transplantation, often supplemented with interleukin-2 (aldesleukin) to enhance the specific cellular immune response.

Other names

autologous tumor cell vaccineSpecific cellular therapy