Clinical features of cancer specific immunotherapy using MAGE peptides

The MAGE gene families have been identified using molecular technology, and are considered to be appropriate targets for cancer specific immunotherapy. The expression of these genes is specific to malignant tissues except the testis. The peptides restricted by some HLAs have also been identified using MAGE-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL). Dendritic cells (DC), now considered to be the most professional antigen-presenting-cells to naive T cells differentiating killer T cells, are easily generated from peripheral blood lymphocytes using some cytokines in vitro. The functions of DC continue to be revealed. We have been using cancer specific immunotherapy against advanced gastrointestinal cancer with DC and MAGE peptides since 1997. To date, no significant side effects due to the therapy have been observed, whereas some clinical responses (tumor reduction) and immunological responses have. These results may suggest that cancer specific immunotherapy using MAGE peptides and DC is effective against advanced gastrointestinal cancer, and can be used as a new strategy in the treatment of malignant diseases.