Definition

A cancer vaccine composed of autologous irradiated tumor cells and two implantable capsules loaded with MVX-2 cells, which contain allogeneic genetically modified cells that continuously release granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF), with potential immunostimulating and antineoplastic activities. Upon administration of GM-CSF-secreting MVX-2-loaded capsules/autologous irradiated tumor cell vaccine MVX-ONCO-2, the MVX-2-loaded capsules and the autologous irradiated cells isolated from the patient’s own tumor are co-localized in the patient’s tissue. GM-CSF is released, and the immune system is exposed to the tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) expressed by the autologous irradiated tumor cells at the injection site. GM-CSF recruits and activates antigen-presenting cells (APC), which induces both antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) responses locally and systemically. This may lead to tumor regression. By using the patient’s own irradiated cancer cells as vaccine antigens, the patient’s immune system is exposed to the entire repertoire of this individual’s TAAs. The encapsulation of MVX-2 cells protects them from the immune responses, thereby ensuring the continuous release of GM-CSF. GM-CSF, a monomeric glycoprotein that functions as a cytokine, is a strong immune booster and plays an important role in the activation of immune system.