One of the most malignant tumors — and one of the most immunogenic. Immunotherapy should become a foundational element of systemic treatment.
Melanoma cells are generally resistant to the toxic effects of chemotherapy and radiation. Standard protocols often prove ineffective, especially in stage IV of the disease.
Active immunotherapy based on xenogeneic antigens can overcome immune tolerance to the tumor and trigger the body's own antitumor response. The method is used both as monotherapy and in combination with surgical treatment.
Four key advantages of extracorporeal training of immune cells
We draw up to 90 ml of your blood. Since cellular reprogramming takes place outside the body, we do not introduce toxins into your system. The therapy causes absolutely no damage to healthy tissues, completely ruling out side effects such as hair loss, nausea, and others.
We draw up to 90 ml of your blood. Since cellular reprogramming takes place outside the body, we do not introduce toxins into your system. The therapy causes absolutely no damage to healthy tissues, completely ruling out side effects such as hair loss, nausea, and others.
During 18 hours of laboratory incubation, your cells regain the ability to recognize tumor cells as a threat. They drop the tumor's camouflage and receive an exact target for attack. This makes it possible to halt disease progression even when the options of classic chemotherapy and radiation are completely exhausted.
During 18 hours of laboratory incubation, your cells regain the ability to recognize tumor cells as a threat. They drop the tumor's camouflage and receive an exact target for attack. This makes it possible to halt disease progression even when the options of classic chemotherapy and radiation are completely exhausted.
The trained immune cells are returned to the patient and begin to selectively attack tumor tissues. The method pairs perfectly with surgery: the powerful immune response acts like a 'smart radar,' independently finding and destroying micrometastases that may have been left behind after the operation.
The trained immune cells are returned to the patient and begin to selectively attack tumor tissues. The method pairs perfectly with surgery: the powerful immune response acts like a 'smart radar,' independently finding and destroying micrometastases that may have been left behind after the operation.
The immune response formed during treatment persists after the course ends — unlike chemotherapy. Disease progression is not a reason to stop immunotherapy: continuing treatment allows remission to be achieved once more.
The immune response formed during treatment persists after the course ends — unlike chemotherapy. Disease progression is not a reason to stop immunotherapy: continuing treatment allows remission to be achieved once more.
32 immunized stage IV melanoma patients vs. 32 control patients. Groups were matched by gender, age, and disease spread.
of patients with a confirmed effect
complete response, partial response, or stabilization for at least 6 months (21 out of 32)
6-year survival at stage III
More than twice as many stage III patients lived beyond 6 years compared to the control group. The difference is statistically significant: P < 0.01 means the probability of random occurrence is less than 1%.
5-year survival
in the immunotherapy group (n = 51 patients)
| Indicator | Immunotherapy | Control |
|---|---|---|
| 3-year survival | Significantly higher | P < 0.01 |
| 5-year survival | 20% | — |
| 6-year survival (stage III) | More than × 2 | P < 0.01 |
Exact absolute values of 3-year and 6-year survival are not specified in the publication. The 5-year survival value (20%) is derived from a group of n = 51 patients.
| Characteristic | Immunotherapy | Control |
|---|---|---|
| Patients | 32 | 32 |
| Men / Women | 10 / 22 | 10 / 22 |
| Average age, years | 48.8 (18–69) | 48.2 (24–77) |
| Metastases: lymph nodes, skin, soft tissues | 23 (70%) | 26 (81%) |
| Metastases: lungs | 10 (31%) | 6 (19%) |
| Metastases: liver | 7 (21%) | 7 (21%) |
| Metastases: other organs | 7 (21%) | 8 (25%) |
| Prior treatment: surgery | 17 (53%) | 16 (50%) |
| Prior treatment: surgery + chemotherapy | 9 (28%) | 10 (31%) |
Clinical cases demonstrate the possibility of achieving prolonged remission in metastatic stage IV melanoma.
Patient P., 27 years old
Stage IV — metastases in the liver and mediastinum
Baseline
Epithelioid cell melanoma, surgery. 2 months later: Ultrasound showed multiple liver lesions up to 18 mm, MRI showed enlarged mediastinal lymph nodes. Intensified vaccine therapy initiated.
During treatment
Immune response: fever up to 38°C after each injection, hyperemia at the site up to 15 cm. Relative lymphocytosis 41% — a sign of immune response activation.
After 6 months
MRI showed complete disappearance of metastatic liver foci and reduction of mediastinal lymph nodes. Complete remission achieved.
Observation period
Complete remission confirmed over 4 years of observation.
Complete remission — 4 years of observation
Patient D., 44 years old
Shoulder melanoma stage III-IV invasion, 6 mm
Surgery + therapy initiation
Excision of the left shoulder tumor and affected lymph nodes. Vaccine therapy initiated on an intensified schedule. Tolerated treatment well.
After 3 months
CT showed disappearance of secondary changes in the liver, reduction of mediastinal lymph nodes to normal. Lymphocytosis 43%.
Progression — continuing therapy
1 year later — new metastases in the mammary glands and shoulder. Removed surgically. Vaccine therapy continued — 10 months remission achieved. Therapy was never stopped.
Observation period
After several intensified courses — long-term complete remission. At 4 years: condition is satisfactory, no data for progression.
Complete remission — 4 years of observation
Important takeaway: disease progression is not a reason to stop immunotherapy. Continuing treatment after relapse allowed both patients to achieve remission once again.
The greatest effectiveness is expected when treatment begins immediately after the conditionally radical surgical removal of identified tumor foci. Xenovaccinotherapy is optimally suited for relapse prevention.
Immunotherapy has no serious side effects and does not limit the patient's normal life. Local reactions at the injection site and a brief temperature rise are possible — indicating that the immune response is activated.
It is advisable to start immunotherapy in the pre-operative or early post-operative period — so that the immune response forms before residual cells have a chance to spread.
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