Melanoma Vaccines

Spontaneous tumor regression has been observed in some melanoma patients and is thought to be attributable to the immune system. This observation led to current attempts to stimulate the immune system as a treatment option for melanoma patients. Much research on potential melanoma vaccines has utilized antigen presenting cell (APC) vaccine strategies combined with adjuvant therapies and biological response modifiers, including cytokines.

There are currently a number of ongoing clinical trials of perspective melanoma vaccines. Several current Phase III trials are attempting to show definitive evidence of improved survival for melanoma patients receiving vaccines. Current strategies include combining multiple adjuvants and immunomodulators with antigen presenting vaccines in an attempt to strengthen and target vaccine responses to improve their efficacy. ⁽¹⁾

View clinical trials of melanoma vaccines (NCI).

More information on this topic may be found in Chapter 16 of The Biology of Cancer by Robert A. Weinberg.

1. Faries MB and Morton DL. "Therapeutic vaccines for melanoma: current status." Biodrugs (2005). 19(4): 247-260. [PUBMED]