Definition

A cell-based cancer vaccine composed of autologous, immature dendritic cells (DCs), with potential immunostimulating and antineoplastic activities. Upon leukapheresis, immature DCs are isolated and re-administered intra-tumorally. The immature DCs internalize and process the tumor-associated antigens (TAAs), migrate to the lymphatic system, and then expose the immune system to the TAAs. This induces a specific cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) response against the cancer cells leading to tumor cell lysis.