NCI Drug Dictionary
The NCI Drug Dictionary contains technical definitions and synonyms for drugs/agents used to treat patients with cancer or conditions related to cancer. Each drug entry includes links to check for clinical trials listed in NCI's List of Cancer Clinical Trials.
- allogeneic GM-CSF-secreting lethally irradiated whole melanoma cell vaccine
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An allogeneic cancer vaccine composed of lethally irradiated whole melanoma cancer cells that are genetically modified to secrete the immunostimulatory cytokine granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), with potential immunostimulating and antineoplastic activities. Upon intradermal injections, allogeneic GM-CSF-secreting lethally irradiated whole melanoma cell vaccine secretes GM-CSF. In turn, GM-CSF may stimulate the body's immune system against tumor cells by enhancing the activation of dendritic cells (DCs) and promoting antigen presentation to both B- and T-lymphocytes. In addition, GM-CSF promotes antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC), and increases interleukin-2-mediated lymphokine-activated killer cell function. Check for active clinical trials using this agent.
Synonym: GVAX melanoma vaccine