Vaccine triggers immune system to attack cancerous tumors

August 4, 1998
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Vaccine triggers immune system to attack cancerous tumors EDITORS: A black-and-white photomicrograph showing a dendritic cell, tumor lysates and T-lymphocytes is available on request.

ANN ARBOR—Using a vaccine made from specialized white blood cells called dendritic cells spiked with cancer proteins, University of Michigan scientists have found a way to activate the immune system to attack malignant tumors and prevent the development of new tumors in mice. “Immunization with the dendritic cell vaccine was effective against two types of solid tumors—sarcomas and breast carcinomas—in two unrelated strains of mice,” said James J. Mul