Immunotherapy of intraperitoneal cancer : effects of lymphokine activated killer cells and interleukin-2 in murine models.

IL-2 and LAK cells are theoretically attractive compounds for consideration in tumor immunotherapy. Past efforts of immunotherapy have concentrated on either an aspecific stimulation of the immune apparatus or on raising cells or antibodies specifically reacting to tumor cells. The inconsistent expression of tumor-associated antigens on human neoplasms is a problem with the latter approach and neither of these approaches has shown impressive clinical results (Section 2.6). Under certain stimuli, lymphocytes can give rise to so-called activated killer cells. In vitro incubation with the lymphokine IL-2 is the most feasible method of procurement. Cells, so activated, are called LAK (lymphokine activated killer) cells. LAK cells are cytotoxic for autologous, syngeneic, allogeneic and xenogeneic tumor. TO normal autologous or syngeneic cells, LAK cells display a limited or no reactivity. Prior exposure to tumor cells is not necessary for activation (Section 3.6). Tumor immunotherapy can be considered as sole therapy or in combination with other forms of therapy (surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy). One can distinguish situations in which these other forms of therapy are employed with curative intent and immunotherapy is given in an adjuvant setting or alternatively the immunotherapy can be given because it is known that the standard approach will not lead to cure.

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