In the 1800s, found that tumors sometimes regressed in cancer patients who had bacterial infections. Tried to vaccinate cancer patients with killed bacteria to induce a protective immune response. BCG vaccine for TB inhibits bladder cancer. Anti-proliferative effect Activation of CD8 T killer cells, macrophages, and NK cells 2. Inject the LAK cells back into the patient together with IL2.
Regressions are common but usually temporary.
IL2 for activation than LAK cells. TIL cells producing high levels of TNF- are grown in culture and infused back into patient. These cells should release TNF- onto tumors in vivo. Theory is that the addition of these growth factors will stimulate tumor-specific T or B cells that were not normally activated by the tumor. Toxins most commonly used are ricin and diphtheria toxins.