Multiplying Tumor-Fighting T-Cells

Several years ago, Gregory Plautz, MD, and his colleagues tested a personalized tumor vaccine that triggered patients’ immune responses to fight malignant brain tumors. Now, using methods to introduce components of tumor cells into specialized immune system cells, they have been able to dramatically increase the potency of the tumor vaccine. In addition, the team has developed better methods to amplify the number of tumor-fighting T-cells which are integral to the therapy. This translational research program has shown promise in initial preclinical laboratory studies.