Tumor-associated antigens from irradiated autologous tumor cells (TAA)

Tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) derived from irradiated autologous tumor cells represent a personalized immunotherapy approach designed to stimulate a patient's immune system against their specific cancer. By utilizing the patient's own tumor tissue, this method ensures the inclusion of a comprehensive profile of both shared TAAs and unique neoantigens, addressing the inherent heterogeneity of the malignancy. The tumor cells are lethally irradiated to ensure they cannot replicate while preserving their antigenic structure and metabolic activity. These cells are often genetically modified or combined with adjuvants, such as Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor (GM-CSF), to enhance the recruitment and maturation of dendritic cells at the injection site. These dendritic cells then process and present the full repertoire of tumor antigens to T-cells, ideally generating a robust, systemic cytotoxic T-lymphocyte response capable of recognizing and eliminating residual or metastatic tumor cells. This strategy is particularly relevant in cancers where specific targetable mutations are not identified or where tumor escape from single-antigen vaccines is a concern.

Other names

Autologous tumor cell vaccineIrradiated autologous tumor cellsWhole-cell cancer vaccinePersonalized tumor-derived antigensGemogenovatucel-T (Vigil)

Active immunization using a broad spectrum of patient-specific antigens to induce a polyclonal T-cell response.