The large scale generation of dendritic cells for the immunization of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)

In the current study, we generated large numbers of dendritic cells (DCs) from patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) for a vaccine trial. The DCs were generated from CD14+ cells obtained by immuno-magnetic bead column separation technique. The CD14+ cells were placed in culture in the presence of granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor (GMCSF) and Interleukin 4 (IL-4). At Day 7, apoptotic bodies derived from an allogeneic NSCLC line 1650-TC were added to the cultures at a DC:tumor cell ratio of 1:1. At Day 8, the DCs were harvested, washed and injected intradermally into patients. Using this protocol we have prepared DCs for 16 patients. An average of 9.3 × 107 DCs was injected for the priming dose and 8.2 × 107 DCs for the boost. Clinical evaluation of the patients and immune assessment are presented in a separate report. The current report provides evidence for the large scale production of functional DCs derived from patients with NSCLC which can be used as vaccines in clinical trials.