autologous tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (UHN) (University Health Network)

Autologous tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) developed by the University Health Network (UHN) in Toronto represent a form of adoptive cell therapy for metastatic melanoma. The process involves surgically removing a tumor specimen from the patient, isolating the naturally occurring T cells that have infiltrated the tumor, and expanding them to large numbers (typically 10^10 to 10^11 cells) in a laboratory setting. These expanded TILs are then re-infused into the patient following a lymphodepleting conditioning regimen of cyclophosphamide and fludarabine. To enhance the persistence and activity of the infused cells, patients also receive low-dose interleukin-2 (IL-2). This therapy leverages the diverse repertoire of the patient's own immune cells to recognize and attack multiple tumor-specific antigens, providing a personalized approach to treating advanced melanoma.

Other names

Tumor-Infiltrating LymphocytesTILsautologous TILs