Vaccines for melanoma: translating basic immunology into new therapies

Advances in molecular biology and immunology in the past 10-15 years have allowed for a greater understanding of the molecules present on melanoma cells that are recognised by the immune system. The rising incidence of melanoma, combined with lack of efficacy of cytotoxic therapies, means there is a significant need for the development of effective immunotherapies. We discuss three types of vaccine for melanoma, which are currently in phase III clinical trials: allogeneic and autologous cellular vaccines, and carbohydrate vaccines. We also discuss several new areas of vaccine development, including DNA vaccines, dendritic-cell-based vaccines, peptide vaccines, and heat-shock protein vaccines. Although initial clinical trials have shown the safety and immunological efficacy of vaccines for melanoma, the true clinical benefit of these strategies will only be revealed in large randomised trials.