MELANOMA VACCINE
================

From: Reviva@aol.com
  

Is anyone on this list involved with Somatix Corporations Phase I trials of
the GVAX cancer vaccine for melanoma?  Does anyone have any experience or
information re: this type of therapy?  I have a patient with metastatic
melanoma looking for an opportunity to enlist in this study.

Jeff Marmelzat, M.D.
=================
 
From: "Okun, Martin" <okunm@dc37a.nci.nih.gov>
 
Dr. Marmelzat:  Concerning your patient with metastatic melanoma, if the 
patient is HLA-A2 positive (as is 50% of the population) and does not have 
intracerebral metastases, one option to consider is the NCI 
metastatic melanoma protocol currently under way.  My understanding is that  
tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes are isolated from a metastatic lesion, 
expanded ex vivo in the presence of il-2, and subsequently reinfused 
into the patient.  Apparently, there are occasionally long-term complete 
clinical remissions.  If you and your patient are interested, you can call 
David Danforth's office at  301-496-1534.

Marty Okun
NCI
okunm@dc37a.nci.nih.gov