Autologous tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center)

Autologous tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapy is an adoptive cell transfer (ACT) immunotherapy developed by the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center for the treatment of metastatic melanoma. The therapeutic process involves surgically harvesting lymphocytes that have naturally infiltrated a patient's tumor, followed by their ex vivo expansion to large numbers in a laboratory setting using interleukin-2 (IL-2). Prior to re-infusion of the expanded TILs, patients undergo a lymphodepleting conditioning regimen, typically consisting of cyclophosphamide and fludarabine, to eliminate immunosuppressive cells and create a favorable environment for the transferred cells. Following infusion, patients receive high-dose aldesleukin (IL-2) to support the survival and anti-tumor activity of the TILs. These lymphocytes are polyclonal and are designed to recognize and destroy cancer cells by targeting a broad array of tumor-specific neoantigens and tumor-associated antigens.

Other names

TIL therapyTumor-infiltrating lymphocytesAutologous TILsTherapeutic Tumor Infiltrating Lymphocytes