Cancer Adoptive Immunotherapy.

IIB has been a leader in the field of Cancer Adoptive Immunotherapy since 1999. This therapy fights tumors using the patient's own immune system with the combination of Extracorporeal Photopheresis (ECP) and Dendritic Cells Vaccines. This Therapy is not only useful in the prevention of cancer recurrence after a complete remission, but is ideal in cases of therapy-resistant carcinomas, and also provides the alternative to the conventional medicines.

This novel therapeutic strategy against tumors and other diseases now provides prolonged survival with a higher quality of life and is done without the undesirable side effects.

Stimulating the Immune System Against Cancer and Viral Infections.

The combination of Extracorporeal Photopheresis with autologous Dendritic Cells Vaccine (ECP/DC) has substantial potential for the management of life-threatening or debilitating antigenic cancers and T-cell mediated disorders. This therapy fights tumors with the person's own immune system and plays a central role in the initiation of immune responses and creates the development of therapeutic strategies against tumors and other disease.

Extracorporeal Photopheresis

ECP (Extracorporeal Photopheresis) was originally introduced by Edelson in 1987 (Yale University). ECP is used worldwide in the treatment of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, autoimmune diseases, transplant rejection, graft-versus-host disease, etc.

How does ECP work?

ECP (Extracorporeal Photopheresis) is a therapy that works on a cellular level using a chemical substance that sensitizes the cells to ultra violet light using a special device for irradiation. This accomplishes two important purposes: it activates certain molecules inducing apoptosis, a gentle way of destroying abnormal cells; and it activates the monocytes. The monocytes are co-cultured over 24 hours with growth factors and then converted into mature Dendritic Cells. This fresh biological product consisting of the Dendritic Cells is then administered via intravenously and subcutaneously as peptides aliquotas of tumor-loaded dendritic cells, in which it is used as vaccines for the next day, and may also be stored viably in a freezer to be later thawed and administered weekly as maintenance as immunizing anti-tumoral doses.

The passage of mononuclear cells through UV light will convert to mature and educated Dendritic Cells.

Mechanism of Action

Immune activation or immune-suppression upon phagocytosis of apoptotic cells is dependent on the maturity of Dendritic Cells. The immature Dendritic Cells induce tolerance, and the mature Dendritic Cells initiate immune activation.

Upon exposure to UVA light, covalent cross linking of DNA occurs. This results in the proliferative arrest of the treated cells. The passage of mononuclear cells through UV light will convert to mature Dendritic Cells, activated and educated Cells. This leads to enhanced processing of apoptotic T-cell antigens and the release of pro-inflammatory mediators.

VIEW ANIMATION - Photochemical Treatment - Chemical Interaction with DNA

Cells exposed to UVA light may undergo cell-cycle arrest, which usually occurs at S phase or G-1 S boundary. The cell may repair itself and tolerate the damage before resuming the cell cycle. Or the cell may die by apoptosis. UV light favors apoptosis.

VIEW ANIMATION - UV-Induced DNA Damage

In the light of these findings, ECP and immunizations with autologous Dendritic Cells cultured ex vivo (functionally intact) prepulsed with tumor antigens is a wonderful strategy to elicit a strong immune response in the cancer patient.

What are Dendritic Cells and why they are important?

Dendritic Cells are responsible for identifying pathogens (viruses, fungi, bacteria, malignant cells, etc...). They present their identifying markers, antigens, to specific T-lymphocytes that then multiply and attack the pathogens (disease). They are also capable of identifying normal dying cells and then present their antigens to different T-cells that tell the immune system not to attack its own tissues.

In the last few years science has witnessed a massive expansion in our understanding of antigen presenting cells, known as Dendritic Cells. This unique feature gives Dendritic Cells an important role in controlling immunity. Dendritic Cells have the ability to induce primary T-Cell dependent immune response in vitro and in vivo.

Experience has shown that this stimulates formation and activation of macrophages, T-helper cells, and natural killer cells. Dendritic Cells are a central role in the initiation of immune response. Creating possibilities for their use in the development of therapeutic strategies against tumors and other diseases.

Immune activation or immunosuppression?

Dendritic Cell Vaccine for Cancer

Cancer vaccines are made with Dendritic Cells, which play a crucial role in the initiation of primary immune response, therefore are the best support for anti-tumor adoptive immunotherapy. The use of peripheral blood mononuclear cell mobilization with Extracorporeal Photopheresis (ECP) and incubation will induce antigen-specific regulatory T-cells, as alternative strategies for immunotherapy.

The vaccine works in a way to enhance the immune system's functions. It is prepared from the patient's own blood, which represents his/her own unique internal environment. The preparation follows the procedures that favor the development of antigenic peptides and other immunogenic compounds in the fight against cancer and other immune disorders.

One of the most exciting areas of Dendritic Cell research is the use of these cells for immunotherapy of malignant diseases.

This review describes the evolution with this novel development of immunotherapy that represents the first practical and effective means of performing tumor-loaded Dendritic Cell immunotherapy that optimizes the quality of life for all people living with cancer and viral infections.

Remember: emotional, spiritual, and mental components of health are as important as the physical. We value listening to the needs of our patients and create services to meet those needs. If you need more information about these innovative treatments, we will gladly send you a summary of our Adoptive Immunotherapy for the treatment of cancer.

"To achieve improvement and enhance the quality of life."

Please click here to request additional information or answer any further questions.