Definition

A preparation of autologous CD8+ T lymphocytes specifically reactive to the cancer-testis antigen NY-ESO-1, with potential immunostimulating and antineoplastic activities. Autologous NY-ESO-1-specific CD8+ T lymphocytes were generated from T cells isolated from a particular cancer patient, which were made specifically reactive to the NY-ESO-1 antigen, expanded ex vivo, and reintroduced into the patient. These tumor-reactive T cells may stimulate a host immune response against tumor cells expressing the NY-ESO-1 antigen, resulting in tumor cell lysis. NY-ESO-1, an antigen found in normal testis, may be upregulated in various cancers.