Vaccine therapy in non-small-cell lung cancer

Curr Oncol Rep. 2007 Jul;9(4):241-6. doi: 10.1007/s11912-007-0029-9.

Abstract

Lung cancer is the leading cause of death from cancer worldwide. First-line therapy is based on stage at diagnosis and can include chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery. Despite advances, the prognosis for advanced-stage lung cancer is very poor. Vaccines with the capability to activate the host immune system may have a role in second-line therapy. Advances in the understanding of cellular and molecular immunology are forming the basis for improving vaccine therapy. Most trials to date have demonstrated safety but inconsistent efficacy. Further research is needed to enhance this potential.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antigens, Neoplasm / immunology*
  • Cancer Vaccines*
  • Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / immunology
  • Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / therapy*
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Dendritic Cells / immunology*
  • Genetic Therapy*
  • Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor / genetics
  • Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Immunologic Factors / genetics
  • Immunologic Factors / therapeutic use*
  • Lung Neoplasms / immunology
  • Lung Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Neoplasm Proteins / immunology
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta / genetics
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Antigens, Neoplasm
  • Cancer Vaccines
  • Immunologic Factors
  • Neoplasm Proteins
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta
  • Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor