Production of dendritic cell vaccines using different methods with equivalent results: Implications for emerging centers.

INTRODUCTION:Dendritic cell (DC) vaccines have demonstrated good efficacy in preventing relapse and in increasing survival of patients affected by a variety of both solid and hematological tumors. Most protocols used to generate these cells involve the automated separation of peripheral blood monocytes from patients. This approach requires specialized equipment, which elevates the cost of this type of therapy, potentially limiting the widespread access to patients. METHOD:In this study, we compare the yield and quality of dendritic cells generated from monocytes and isolated by an automated method or by manual methods using gradient centrifugation. RESULTS:The results demonstrate the equivalence of the 3 methods in relation to the yield and final quality of the product, however with considerable differences between the costs of these procedures. In addition, this study also demonstrates the feasibility of the antigenic pulse with autologous tumor cell lysates, constituting a source of antigens, not only easily obtained and manipulated, but also specific to the patient's tumor. CONCLUSION:These findings may have important implications for emerging centers interested in using this medical approach and potentially increase the access of a greater number of patients to this therapeutic option.