Biological response modifier--immunotherapeutic approaches in pancreatic cancer.

Three principles of immunological approaches to cancer therapy are currently under investigation. First the administration of monoclonal antibodies, given either alone or with peripheral mononuclear cells and/or human gamma interferon. Another area of interest is adoptive immunotherapy by means of in vitro lymphokine-activated and propagated killer cells. Finally, human recombinant cytokines (interferons, tumor necrosis factors) have attracted clinical interest. The clinical data thus far available for pancreatic cancer will be briefly reviewed.