The immunotherapy of prostate cancer

Abstract

Advanced prostate cancer remains incurable with standard treatment options. Immunotherapy may be a realistic alternative given the growing evidence that the immune response can affect the growth of other solid tumours and the regulation of both specific and shared prostate cancer antigens. Early studies suggest that both non-specific and specific vaccines can effect relevant animal models and clinical trials based on these observations are now in progress. A number of other approaches including gene therapy with HSVtk are already undergoing clinical studies (Herman et al. Hum Gene Ther 1999; 10: 1239–1249).