Dendritic Cell Vaccine for Glioblastoma: A New Hope for Brain Cancer Treatment

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Dendritic cell (DC) vaccination is considered one of the most promising cancer treatment methods. Growing scientific evidence confirms its high effectiveness in treating many oncological conditions. The dendritic cell vaccine for glioblastoma offers hope for the successful treatment of patients with this severe, incurable brain tumor that responds poorly to standard therapy and recurs even after complete surgical removal. DCs work by stimulation of anti-tumor immune responses.

Standard Glioblastoma Therapy

Glioblastoma is an aggressive malignant brain tumor with a poor prognosis. The median survival rate for this pathology is 12-14 months, with a five-year survival rate not exceeding 5%. Standard treatment includes tumor resection, followed by radiation and therapy. Subsequently, treatment continues with radiation therapy alone, with the possible application of alternating electric field therapy.

Dendritic Cell Treatment

DCs are considered one of the most promising directions in immunotherapy. They were first tested in 1996 for treating B-cell lymphoma. In 2006, the world’s first Phase III study was successfully completed, using a dendritic cell vaccine for prostate cancer treatment. In 2010, the first approved DC-based preparation, Provenge, emerged for treating late-stage prostate cancer.

The history of glioblastoma treatment using dendritic cells began in 1999 when the technique was first studied in animal experiments. The first clinical trial was conducted in 2000. While dendritic cells have been used for glioblastoma immunotherapy for over 20 years, only recently have truly promising results emerged. The first successful Phase III study has concluded, demonstrating improved survival rates in glioblastoma patients after dendritic cell vaccination.

A recent meta-analysis of 7 studies involving 3,619 patients, including the aforementioned Phase III study, confirms DC effectiveness. Patients receiving immunotherapy in addition to standard therapy showed increased overall and relapse-free survival. In the group of newly diagnosed glioblastoma patients, the relapse-free period increased significantly.

Treatment Process

Blood is drawn from the patient to obtain DCs, ensuring their maturation and activation. These cells are then returned to the body through subcutaneous injection. The entire process of DC maturation and activation typically takes between 7-10 days in specialized laboratory conditions, during which the cells undergo careful monitoring to ensure optimal immune-stimulating properties. At this point, these cells contain information about tumor antigens. They migrate to lymph nodes and transfer this information to T-cells (antigen presentation occurs). Through immune response modulation, cytotoxic cells more effectively attack the tumor, slowing disease progression.

Although no dendritic cell vaccine for glioblastoma has been approved yet, these immunotherapy preparations are already being used in some developed countries’ clinics as part of clinical trials. Regular monitoring of immune markers and tumor response helps doctors adjust the treatment protocol for each patient, making this a truly personalized therapeutic approach.

Advantages of dendritic cell treatment:

• More effective immunotherapy method compared to cytokines, antibodies, and other anti-cancer vaccines
• Personalized anti-tumor treatment: the vaccine is made from the patient’s blood, and the patient’s tumor tissue serves as the source of antigens
• The treatment method is safe and well-tolerated by patients
• The vaccine complements standard glioblastoma treatment pathways rather than replacing them, improving existing therapy outcomes

Modern neuro-oncology is developing rapidly. New brain tumor treatment methods are being implemented, allowing increased life expectancy even for patients with the most aggressive tumors. If you wish to access innovative immunotherapy methods such as dendritic cell vaccines, you can travel abroad for treatment. Submit the request on the Booking Health website to receive a consultation, select a clinic, schedule convenient dates, and obtain travel organization services.