摘要 |
This invention relates to compositions comprising haptenized tumor cells and extracts thereof, methods for preparing the compositions, vaccines comprising such haptenized tumor cells, and methods for treating cancer with such vaccines. In a specific embodiment, melanoma cells are haptenized with a dinitrophenyl group, and used for treatment of melanoma patients having metastatic disease. Preferably, patients are given a first vaccine dose containing haptenized cells to "prime" the immune system. Subsequently, patients are injected with an immunomodulatory compound such as cyclophosphamide. In a preferred embodiment, an appropriate time period after the "priming" vaccine dose, additional vaccine doses containing a mixture of haptenized cells and an adjuvant are administered. The described treatment plan is more effective for eliciting favorable anti-tumor immune responses.
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