Modulation of lymphocyte regulation for cancer therapy: a phase II trial of tremelimumab in advanced gastric and esophageal adenocarcinoma.

Purpose: Cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA4), a key negative regulator of T-cell activation, is targeted by the antibody tremelimumab to release potentially useful antitumor activity.

Experimental Design: This phase II trial investigated tremelimumab as a second-line treatment for patients with metastatic gastric and esophageal adenocarcinomas. Tremelimumab was given every 3 months until symptomatic disease progression.

Adoptive transfer of T(reg) depleted autologous T cells in advanced renal cell carcinoma.

Purpose: CD4(+)CD25(+) regulatory T (T(reg)) cells are present in increased numbers in patients with advanced cancer and CD25(+) T cell depletion potentiates tumour immunity in animal models. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility and safety of adoptive transfer of CD25(+) depleted autologous T cells in patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma and to examine resulting changes in lymphocyte subsets.

Patients And Methods: Six patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma underwent leukapheresis followed by conditioning chemotherapy with cyclophosphamide and fludarabine.