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Published on: October 27, 2014
Preliminary results of active specific immunization with modified tumor cell vaccine in glioblastoma multiforme
T Schneider1, R Gerhards, E Kirches
1Department of Neurosurgery, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany.
Object:
Treatment for glioblastoma multiforme has failed to show any progress for decades. While specific immunization with tumor cells modified with Newcastle-Disease-Virus (NDV) has been reported successful in some extracerebral tumors, its effect on glioblastoma is unknown. We report on 11 patients, in whom this approach was analyzed.
Methods:
A vaccine was produced from autologous tumor cell cultures of 11 patients with glioblastoma. After completed surgery and radiotherapy an intracutaneous vaccination was performed 4 times with a 2 week interval and finally after 3 months. Local reactions, general side effects and survival were monitored closely.
Results:
The local reaction of the skin after injection of vaccine increased from 1.67 to 4.05 cm2 in 8 weeks. The skin reaction after parallel injection of inactivated, untreated tumor cells increased from 0.11 to 1.09 cm2. The median survival was 46 weeks (mean 60 weeks). No side effects were noted.
Conclusion:
Active specific immunization with NDV-modified glioblastoma cells produced a noticeable peripheral immune response. In this preliminary series survival of patients was not significantly longer after active specific immunization than after combined treatment of surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. As there were no side effects, however, active specific immunization may be considered an alternative in the management of glioblastoma.
Insights
Active specific immunization using Newcastle-Disease-Virus (NDV)-modified glioblastoma cells induced a peripheral immune response. This approach showed no significant survival benefit but was well-tolerated, suggesting it as a potential glioblastoma management alternative.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunology
- Virology
Background:
- Glioblastoma multiforme treatment has seen limited progress for decades.
- Newcastle-Disease-Virus (NDV) modified tumor cell vaccines show promise in extracerebral tumors.
- The efficacy of this approach in glioblastoma remains uninvestigated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the effect of active specific immunization with NDV-modified glioblastoma cells in 11 patients.
- To evaluate local reactions, general side effects, and survival outcomes.
- To determine if this immunotherapy is a viable alternative for glioblastoma management.
Main Methods:
- Autologous glioblastoma tumor cells were cultured and modified with NDV to create a vaccine.
- Patients received four intracutaneous vaccinations bi-weekly, followed by a booster after three months.
- Local skin reactions, systemic side effects, and patient survival were closely monitored.
Main Results:
- Significant increase in local skin reactions observed post-vaccination (1.67 to 4.05 cm2 in 8 weeks).
- A median survival of 46 weeks (mean 60 weeks) was recorded.
- No adverse side effects were reported during the study.
Conclusions:
- Active specific immunization with NDV-modified glioblastoma cells elicits a peripheral immune response.
- While not significantly improving survival compared to standard treatments, the approach was safe.
- This immunotherapy may represent a potential alternative treatment strategy for glioblastoma.
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