>> Tumor antigens are proteins produced by tumors but not by normal cells. <<
Ask Gizzmo to name even one that is expressed on a significant percentage of cancers/lesions.
>> our adenoviral vectors containing melanoma tumor antigens
MART 1 and gp100 genes were safe and well-tolerated <<
Not only are these antigens expressed on normal cells (melanocytes), thus negating the definition above, their expression has been shown to be very heterogeneous on cutaneous melanomas. I follow these projects closely, and suggest that you not hold your breath.
>> These technologies may allow us to discover novel
antigens more quickly and in much greater quantities than previously possible. <<
Twenty four years and counting, we've heard similar stories. Naive IMO, unless you are talking a patient-specific treatment. That makes for a difficult business plan, and, even then, I suggest that there will be very little benefit to the patient.
>> A second and complementary gene immunotherapy approach is the use of stress genes to stimulate an immune response. <<
This is a viable approach, IMO. I've been suggesting it to the CEO of Cistron Bio for two years, but he's too frigging st**** to recognize a business opportunity. HSPs, inflammatory lymphokines.... no difference, IMO. Would love to be wrong, as I'm a fan of StressGen.
>> combines dendritic cells, a type of antigen-presenting cell, with tumor cells <<
A patient-specific therapy...... wait about 10 years and then invest.
I'll comment on your other posts when I have time. Thanks, Mike.
Rick
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