Antitumor cell-complex vaccines employing genetically modified tumor cells and fibroblasts.

The present study evaluates the immune response mediated by vaccination with cell complexes composed of irradiated B16 tumor cells and mouse fibroblasts genetically modified to produce GM-CSF. The animals were vaccinated with free B16 cells or cell complexes. We employed two gene plasmid constructions: one high producer (pMok) and a low producer (p2F).

Comparative antitumor effect of preventive versus therapeutic vaccines employing B16 melanoma cells genetically modified to express GM-CSF and B7.2 in a murine model.

Unlabelled: Cancer vaccines have always been a subject of gene therapy research. One of the most successful approaches has been working with genetically modified tumor cells. In this study, we describe our approach to achieving an immune response against a murine melanoma model, employing B16 tumor cells expressing GM-CSF and B7.

Antigens and cytokine genes in antitumor vaccines: the importance of the temporal delivery sequence in antitumor signals.

Studies against cancer, including clinical trials, have shown that a correct activation of the immune system can lead to tumor rejection whereas incorrect signaling results in no positive effects or even anergy. We have worked assuming that two signals, GM-CSF (granulocyte and macrophage colony-stimulating factor) and tumor antigens are necessary to mediate an antitumor effective response. To study which is the ideal temporal sequence for their administration, we have used a murine model of antimelanoma vaccine employing whole B16 tumor cells or their membrane protein antigens (TMPs) in combination with gm-csf transfer before or after the antigen delivery.

Risk-adapted androgen deprivation and escalated three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy for prostate cancer: Does radiation dose influence outcome of patients treated with adjuvant androgen deprivation? A GICOR study.

Purpose: Multicenter study conducted to determine the impact on biochemical control and survival of risk-adapted androgen deprivation (AD) combined with high-dose three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3DCRT) for prostate cancer. Results of biochemical control are reported.

Patients And Methods: Between October 1999 and October 2001, 416 eligible patients with prostate cancer were assigned to one of three treatment groups according to their risk factors: 181 low-risk patients were treated with 3DCRT alone; 75 intermediate-risk patients were allocated to receive neoadjuvant AD (NAD) 4-6 months before and during 3DCRT; and 160 high-risk patients received NAD and adjuvant AD (AAD) 2 years after 3DCRT.