Novel experimental approaches to melanoma diagnosis and therapy.

We have investigated the potential use of immune therapies on the growth of melanoma metastases in a new animal model that more closely approximates the clinical situation. We have found that significant benefits towards decreased metastatic growth and subsequent animal survival can be achieved by treatment of tumor-bearing mice with melanoma-specific monoclonal antibodies or alternatively, with various types of monovalent or polyvalent vaccines. The beneficial effects of those vaccines can be significantly enhanced by concomitant interleukin-2 therapy.