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 removes immune tolerance to the tumor and triggers the body's own antitumor response. The method is used both as monotherapy and in combination with surgical treatment.
Four advantages of extracorporeal training of immune cells
We draw up to 90 ml of your blood. The cells are reprogrammed outside the body, and no systemic cytostatics are introduced into your bloodstream. That is why the method does not carry the side effects of chemotherapy: hair loss, severe nausea, liver damage.
We draw up to 90 ml of your blood. The cells are reprogrammed outside the body, and no systemic cytostatics are introduced into your bloodstream. That is why the method does not carry the side effects of chemotherapy: hair loss, severe nausea, liver damage.
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. That is why the method is also used when the options of conventional chemotherapy and radiation have been 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. That is why the method is also used when the options of conventional chemotherapy and radiation have been completely exhausted.
The trained immune cells are returned to the patient and attack tumour tissue in a targeted way. The method combines well with surgery: the immune response finds the micrometastases that may have been left behind after the operation.
The trained immune cells are returned to the patient and attack tumour tissue in a targeted way. The method combines well with surgery: the immune response finds the 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 on its own is not a reason to stop immunotherapy: the course is continued, and remission has been achieved again in such cases.
The immune response formed during treatment persists after the course ends — unlike chemotherapy. Disease progression on its own is not a reason to stop immunotherapy: the course is continued, and remission has been achieved again in such cases.
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%) |
Below are clinical cases of 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 method works best when treatment is started right after the conditionally radical removal of the tumour lesions found.
Immunotherapy is tolerated gently 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.
Yes. Melanoma is one of the most immunogenic tumours, so the method is used in widespread disease and with metastases, where standard options are limited. Immunotherapy helps activate the body own cells against the tumour deposits.
The programme starts with a consultation and a review of your medical documents. An individual plan is then drawn up: the product is prepared from the patient own cells and treatment is given in courses. The exact duration is set by the doctor after the work-up.
The method is not associated with the systemic toxicity typical of chemotherapy: the tumour is attacked by the body's own cells rather than by cytostatics. So quality of life is usually preserved during treatment.
Yes. Immunotherapy complements standard treatment and builds long-term antitumour immunity, reducing the risk of recurrence after surgery.
Yes. The clinic is next to Moscow (Khimki, Skhodnya) and sees patients from Moscow, the region and other areas. The first consultation can be held remotely, from medical documents.
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