Prospects for an Immunological Approach to Therapy of Ovarian Cancer

Summary Characterisation of changes in expression of carbohydrates and peptides on cancer mucins enables a reconsideration of immunotherapy of ovarian cancer. Natural immune responses to cancer mucins have been demonstrated. Some results with cell extracts have been encouraging, but there are inherent limitations to using such mixtures for immunotherapy. Successful animal model studies with synthetic vaccines have demonstrated that pretreatment with low dosage cyclophosphamide can be used to inhibit suppressor activity induced by natural cancer mucins. Preliminary results from clinical trials with synthetic vaccines challenge us to redefine ‘successful’ cancer therapy. Combination biomodulation strategies may become the therapy of the future for ovarian cancer.