[Antigen-specific immunotherapy as a component of combined therapy for malignant brain tumors]

The purpose of the present research was to study immunity in the course of complex treatment for malignant gliomas of the brain and to evaluate extracorporeal antigen-specific immunotherapy (EASIT), a pilot procedure which was carried out according to an approved protocol. Initially, lowered HLA-DR+ monocyte count and in vitro inhibition of proliferative activity were reported in all patients. Inductive EASIT started in early postoperative period aborted immune disturbances caused by surgery. In 1998-2000, the procedure was performed in 33 patients with anaplastic astrocytoma (AA) (20) and glioblastoma (GB) (13). Mean dose of cell infusion was 2.43(0.18 x 109/patient and was well tolerated. There are 22 survivors and 9 patients died (GB--4 and AA--5; overall mortality--29%). Mean relapse-free survival was 14.2 mo (22); stable remission during 12-18 mo--37.5% (3/8)(GB) and 64% (9/14) (AA) Complete rehabilitation of immunity was generally reported 12 mo after the course of EASIT. Hence, complex treatment (surgery + EASIT) enhanced its efficacy in the management of brain tumors.