Future Strategies in Immunotherapy

Abstract

The following chapter discusses cutting edge, current, and future immunotherapeutic strategies. The first section reviews basic molecular and cellular components of the immune system. The second section emphasizes FDA‐approved humanized and chimeric antibodies for the treatment of cancer and rheumatoid arthritis including herceptin, rituxan, mylotarg, campath, remicade, and Enbrel, because these types of genetically engineered molecules represent the future of molecular medicine treatments. The function and significance of antibody targets are defined where possible. A brief description of clinical trial results and adverse drug reactions is provided for each humanized or chimeric antibody. Formulations of each antibody are also discussed where appropriate. Next, cutting edge strategies using dendritic cells pulsed with tumor associated peptides, tumor cell lysates, apoptotic tumor cells, tumor RNA, and tumor‐derived exosomes are also addressed. Transduction of DC with adenovirus and pox virus vectors is discussed along with ongoing clinical trials and exciting pre‐clinical developments of promising strategies. The chapter concludes with a summary of what must occur in the immunotherapy field for success in the near future.