A subdivision of white blood cells, the monocytes, are isolated from the patient’s blood. Through an intricate process and application of several growth factors these are differentiated into dendritic cells, most potent antigen-presenting cells, within five to seven days. These can be exposed to specific antigens, i. e. the identifying features of the tumour cells. The dendritic cells ingest the antigen and expose its features on the cell’s surface. We have successfully developed antigen-loaded dendritic cells that can elicit the immune response within the body.

After scrupulous tests on purity and molecular analysis the cell preparation is ready for re-injection. Swiftly, the dendritic cells make their way into lymphatic organs. Here they present tumour-antigen to lymphocytes. This process is referred to as antigen-presentation and results in activation of the lymphocytes. The activated lymphcytes (or effector cells) have received a distinct signal. They replicate and initiate the immune response. Tumour cells that carry the antigen on their surface can be identified, attacked and destroyed. Thus the immune system slows down tumour growth, in the best case resulting in stable disease or even tumour regression.

Normally, patients receive four to six vaccination in with an interval of four weeks. This procedure requires a lot of time, personnel and quality equipment and entails high costs.