Definition

An autologous dendritic cell (DCs) vaccine targeting prostate cancer with immunostimulating activity. The autologous DC vaccine is prepared via transfecting DCs with mRNAs extracted from primary prostate cancer tissue, and mRNAs of human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) and survivin. Upon administration, this DC vaccine may elicit a potent cytotoxic T-cell (CTL) response against prostate cancer cells, resulting in tumor cell death. Both hTERT and survivin are essential in neoplastic growth, and are considered to be universal tumor antigens.