The convening of the 3rd International Workshop on Monoclonal Antibodies and Breast Cancer had the character of a self-search exercise. After almost a decade of research in the basic and applied aspects of the use of serological means to diagnose and possibly treat breast cancer several milestones have been reached. Among them a clear understanding of immunopathological use and limitations of monoclonal antibodies against breast epithelium, the complete development and clinical use of immunoassays for circulating breast epithelial antigens, the striking advances in the diagnostic use of monoclonal antibodies to estrogen and progesterone receptor proteins and the first communications on proposed immunotherapeutic use of different conjugates of anti-breast antibodies. New areas of investigation have developed in our field, some which are reaching a full blossom while others are still facing obstacles and at times a re-definition of their goals and objectives. These meetings have acted in a way as a clearing house and have permitted their attendees to derive predictions that have helped shape future research and fine-tune objectives. But above all, the re-evaluation of past research at these Workshops and the renewed excitement brought to them by new information has helped generate a momentum and enthusiasm that assures for the future large scientific gains.

Updated to reflect changes in the field since publication of the first edition in 1979. Provides a detailed review of the methodology available for assessing the diagnosis and prognosis of cancer patients including data on the application of tumor marker assays and other immunodiagnostic procedures

Updated to reflect changes in the field since publication of the first edition in 1979. Provides a detailed review of the methodology available for assessing the diagnosis and prognosis of cancer patients including data on the application of tumor marker assays and other immunodiagnostic procedures

The concept of immunologic responses against tumors is currently under intense scrutiny throughout the world. The evidence for the existence of tumor-specific transplantation antigens (TSTA) and specific immune reactions to them in experimental animals is overwhelming. The available data concerning human tumors are controversial. The reason for this is partially that antigens detectable on human tumors by in vitro assays have not been biologically characterized. In other words, we do not know if the antigens on human tumors are acting as the targets for immunologically mediated rejection processes in vivo. It was the purpose of this workshop to bring experimental tumor immunologists and clinical oncologists together in order to disclose facts and limits in tumor immunology. Clinicians were to learn how shaky the ground becomes once the experimentalist looks beyond the edge of the mouse cage. Tumor biologists heard the clinicians' urgent cry for controlled randomized trials of immunotherapy which thus reflects clearly that immunotherapy in its present form without knowledge of dose-effect-relationship does not work. Nobody would deny that the problem of human cancer smells of immunology, but since we are just about to taste it the essential ingredient might be different. In other words one might look at present rather at immunological epiphenomena than at mechanisms of tumor immul1lty operating in vivo. This problem was among others a central issue of this workshop.

This publication provides a comprehensive account of the known groups of human tumour antigens, and the immune effector cells involved in tumour rejection. Chapters dealing with all the major groups of human tumour antigens are included, covering differentiation antigens, testes-associated antigens, CEA, mucin, viral antigens, anti-idiotypic antibodies as antigens, and fusion proteins. The role of heat shock proteins as mediators of tumour immunity is discussed and consideration is given to the immune mechanisms which mediate tumour rejection in both human and animal systems. The application of antibody targeting to identify cancers, and the mechanisms by which tumours evade immune detection and/or destruction is covered in detail. Although the focus of this publication is experimental, as with other recent publications progress in clinical immunotherapy is included in some detail, to provide postgraduate and post-doctoral scientists with in-depth reviews of the field.

Thoroughly updated to reflect major advances in the field of immuno-oncology, this second edition of Cancer Immunotherapy Principles and Practice, from the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC), remains the definitive resource for information on tumor immunology and cancer immunotherapy treatments. An essential reference for both novice and experienced cancer researchers, oncologists, and related practitioners alike, the book not only guides readers through the fundamental scientific principles of the field all the way to translational and practical clinical applications for treating and managing oncologic disease, but also provides a comprehensive understanding of the regulatory processes that support the safe and effective delivery of immunotherapy to patients with cancer. The expanded and updated second edition now spans 68 chapters, including 12 new chapters, covering major topics and innovations that have shaped the rapid development of immunotherapy and its ascension into the standard of care as first-line treatment for a growing number of disease settings. New to this edition are chapters with deeper insight into our understanding of cancer genomics and determinants of response, immunogenic cell death, cancer and stromal cell-intrinsic pathways of immune resistance, cancer immune exclusion, adoptive cell therapy, metabolomics, tumor mutation burden, immunotherapy in combination with radiation therapy, synthetic biology, and more. Complete with detailed illustrations, tables, and key points for targeted reference, Cancer Immunotherapy Principles and Practice, Second Edition is the most comprehensive and authoritative resource for scientists and clinicians looking to expand their knowledge base of this dynamic field. Key Features: Offers key insights and perspectives on cancer immunology and immunotherapy treatments from renowned experts in the field Covers the basic principles and science behind cancer immunotherapy and tumor immunology Includes treatment strategies for a vast array of available immunotherapy classes and agents, such as cytokine therapies, oncolytic viruses, cancer vaccines, CAR T therapies, and combination immunotherapies Provides essential information on FDA-approved immunotherapies, including clinical management and outcome data related to response rates, risks, and toxicities Discusses special considerations for immunotherapy in the context of specific disease settings, including skin cancers, genitourinary cancers, gastrointestinal cancers, hepatocellular carcinomas, gynecologic malignancies, breast cancers, lung cancers, head and neck cancers, brain tumors, sarcomas, pediatric cancers, and treatments combined with radiation therapy Clarifies the complex regulatory aspects behind the development and approval of immunotherapy drugs