Results of a phase I study utilizing monocyte-derived dendritic cells pulsed with tumor RNA in children with stage 4 neuroblastoma

Abstract

BACKGROUND. A Phase I study of 11 pediatric patients with newly diagnosed, Stage 4 neuroblastoma was conducted using monocyte-derived dendritic cells (DC) pulsed with tumor RNA to produce antitumor vaccines (DCRNA). METHODS. Patients received two courses of induction with carboplatin followed by standard chemotherapy, surgery, radiation, high-dose therapy, stem cell rescue, and DCRNA vaccine therapy. RESULTS. The results showed that this method for producing and administering DCRNA from a single leukapheresis product was both feasible and safe in this pediatric neuroblastoma population. Two courses of carboplatin maintained lymphocyte counts at normal levels. However, immune function 6 weeks..