Multiple undefined tumor-associated antigens

Multiple undefined tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) refer to a broad and uncharacterized set of proteins, glycoproteins, or other macromolecules expressed by cancer cells that can be recognized by the immune system (Source: National Cancer Institute). Unlike targeted therapies that focus on a single, well-defined protein, therapies targeting undefined TAAs typically utilize whole tumor cells, tumor lysates, or autologous dendritic cells pulsed with tumor material to elicit a polyclonal immune response (Source: PubMed, PMC4148543). This approach aims to overcome tumor heterogeneity and prevent 'antigen escape' by training the immune system to recognize multiple potential targets simultaneously (Source: Journal of Hematology & Oncology, 2019). These antigens are often overexpressed in malignant tissues compared to normal tissues or are products of mutated genes, known as neoantigens (Source: Nature Reviews Cancer). While this strategy offers a broad therapeutic window, the lack of specificity can complicate the standardization of treatments and the monitoring of precise immune correlates of efficacy. Clinical applications include autologous vaccines like DCVax-L and allogeneic whole-cell vaccines like GVAX, which are designed to stimulate the patient's own immune system to identify and destroy cancer cells across various tumor types (Source: ClinicalTrials.gov).

Other names

Tumor-associated antigensTAAsTumor lysatesWhole-cell tumor antigensAutologous tumor antigensPolyvalent tumor antigens

Induction of a polyclonal immune response (T-cell and B-cell) against a broad array of antigens expressed by tumor cells, typically through the presentation of tumor lysates or whole cells to the immune system.