Considerations for the clinical development of cytokine gene-transduced tumor cell vaccines

In preclinical models, tumor cells genetically altered to secrete cytokines or express costimulatory molecules can generate systemic antitumor immunity. In some studies, these tumor vaccines have been shown to eradicate micro-metastases. These results have led to the initiation of numerous phase I clinical trials employing either genetically modified or allogenic tumor vaccines. This article addresses a number of issues related to the clinical development of cytokine gene-transduced tumor cell vaccines including: (1) the production of cytokine-secreting tumor vaccines; and (2) the preclinical feasibility and toxicity studies required for testing these vaccines in patients with cancer.