Simone Mocellin Pages 820 - 831 ( 12 )
Peptides derived from tumor associated antigens can be utilized to elicit a therapeutically effective immune response against melanoma in experimental models. However, patient vaccination with peptides - although it is often followed by the induction of melanoma- specific T lymphocytes - is rarely associated with tumor response of clinical relevance. In this review I summarize the principles of peptide design as well as the results so far obtained in the clinical setting while treating cutaneous melanoma by means of this active immunotherapy strategy. I also discuss some immunological and methodological issues that might be helpful for the successful development of peptide-based vaccines.
Peptide,melanoma,therapy,immunotherapy,vaccine,diagnosis,vaccination,tumor,T lymphocytes,carcinomas
Department of Oncological and Surgical Sciences, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani 2, 35128 -Padova, Italy.