Results of preclinical studies, including a paper published in this week's issue of the journal Nature Medicine , have shown that dendritic cells are important to developing an anti-tumor immune response. At day 15, the mean level of dendritic cells increased approximately 30 fold in peripheral blood and CD34 cells increased 20 fold as compared to placebo. Circulating CFU-GM, a measure of stem cell growth, increased by a mean of 80 fold. Flt3 ligand was well tolerated by all subjects and there was no evidence of mast cell stimulation, which can lead to allergic reactions. Flt3 ligand is a cytokine that helps to increase numbers of blood cells including stem cells and dendritic cells.
Stem cells are primitive blood cells that can develop into the entire repertoire of blood cells.
Peripheral blood stem cells are being increasingly used to reconstitute bone marrow damaged by aggressive cancer treatments. Dendritic cells play a crucial role in processing and presenting antigens to the immune system, which is a critical step in initiating an effective immune response. Immunex is a biopharmaceutical company engaged in developing immune system science in the areas of cancer and of inflammatory and infectious disease. American Home Products Corporation owns a majority interest in Immunex . Any question regarding a medical diagnosis, treatment, referral, drug availability or pricing should be directed to either a licensed physician or to the product's manufacturer.