Gene Therapy in Malignancies: Development and Clinical Applications of Autologous Tumour Vaccines

Various applications of therapeutically active cancer vaccines have recently been reviewed by Subiza et al. [1]. In their opinion, concepts and tools related to such therapies are more clear than ever before and clinical results are encouraging. Accompanying editorials express somewhat contrasting views. In one editorial the need is expressed for a combination of antigen-specific effect targeting the immune reaction to tumour plus a systemic immuno- or endocrine-modulating effect to treat cancer [2], and in the potential of the other producing progression or only temporary benefit following vaccine therapy [3].