Development of tumor B-cell lymphocyte hybridoma (TBH) autovaccination. Results of a phase I-II clinical trial.

To improve patient immune recognition of autologous tumor cells, we have developed a tumor B-cell lymphocyte hybridoma (TBH) autovaccination protocol. This approach is based on immunization of a cancer patient with a hybridoma cell suspension derived from the fusion of autologous activated B-cells and autologous cancer cells. This hybrid allows the host immune system to recognize and destroy oncocytes with low toxicity and high specificity. Of 21 treated patients with very advanced diseases, six complete responses and four partial responses were achieved. Overall, survival was prolonged. Side-effects and combination therapies with IL2, IL6 and gamma I/FN are discussed in this paper. Breast and colon cancer seem to be sensitive to this therapy.