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Dendritic Cell (DC) Therapy: A Comprehensive Overview

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  • Dendritic Cell (DC) Therapy: A Comprehensive Overview

History of Dendritic Cells

Dendritic cells were first identified in 1973 by Ralph Steinman and Zanvil Cohn. Their groundbreaking discovery revealed that these cells play a pivotal role in initiating and regulating the adaptive immune response. Steinman’s pioneering work on dendritic cells earned him the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2011.

Definition and Mechanism of Action

Dendritic cells are specialized antigen-presenting cells within the mammalian immune system. Their primary function involves processing antigen material and presenting it on their surface to T-cells, thereby acting as a crucial bridge between the innate and adaptive immune systems.

In dendritic cell therapy, dendritic cells are harvested from the patient and exposed to tumor-specific antigens in a controlled laboratory setting. This process “educates” the dendritic cells to recognize cancer cells. Once reintroduced into the patient’s body, these primed dendritic cells stimulate T-cells to target and destroy cancer cells more effectively.

Applications of Dendritic Cell Therapy

Dendritic cell therapy has been explored for various cancer types, including:

  • Melanoma: Clinical studies have demonstrated that dendritic cell vaccines can induce immune responses against melanoma-associated antigens, offering a potential therapeutic avenue for patients with advanced melanoma.
  • Glioblastoma: Research indicates that dendritic cell vaccination is feasible and safe for glioblastoma patients, aiming to induce an antitumoral immune response.
  • Colon Cancer: Dendritic cell therapy has been utilized in treating colon cancer, with studies suggesting its potential to improve patient outcomes.

 Treatment with dendritic cells in Germany is often used when conventional therapies have not been successful. This was demonstrated, for example, in the case of prostate cancer, lung cancer, colon cancer, ovarian cancer, breast cancer, kidney carcinoma, glioblastoma, and brain stem tumors. Vaccination with dendritic cells is the most promising.

Efficacy and Statistics

The effectiveness of dendritic cell therapy varies depending on the cancer type and individual patient factors. While some studies have reported enhanced immune responses and prolonged survival, others have shown limited clinical benefits. For instance, in melanoma patients, the induction of immune responses to specific tumor-associated antigens has been more notable than direct clinical outcomes. Ongoing research aims to optimize dendritic cell-based interventions to achieve more consistent and substantial clinical benefits.

Important to Know

Is Dendritic Cell Vaccination (DCV) FDA Approved?

Dendritic cell vaccination, a form of immunotherapy, has not received full FDA approval for widespread use in the United States. However, there have been clinical trials and research studies exploring the efficacy and safety of dendritic cell vaccines for various conditions, particularly cancer.

While dendritic cell therapy for cancer and tumors shows promise in clinical trials for certain cancers, such as melanoma and prostate cancer, it has not yet met all the regulatory requirements for full FDA approval.

Cost of Dendritic Cell Therapy

The cost of dendritic cell therapy varies based on factors such as the treatment center, the specific cancer being treated, and the individual patient’s treatment plan. In Germany, the cost typically ranges from €18,900 to €32,000.

In some cases, prices can start at €18,900 and may reach up to €149,000 when combined with other immunotherapies. It is essential for patients to consult with treatment centers to obtain accurate cost estimates tailored to their specific medical needs.

Nobel Prize Recognition

Ralph Steinman’s discovery of dendritic cells and their role in adaptive immunity was honored with the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2011. This recognition underscores the significance of dendritic cells in immunology and their potential therapeutic applications.

References

For further reading and detailed studies on dendritic cell therapy, consider the following medical journal articles:

 “Dendritic Cell Vaccines for Melanoma: Past, Present, and Future,” which discusses the development and application of dendritic cell vaccines in melanoma treatment.

 “Trial Watch: Dendritic Cell-Based Interventions for Cancer Therapy,” providing an overview of clinical trials and the efficacy of dendritic cell therapies in cancer treatment.

 “Dendritic Cell-Based Immunotherapy: State of the Art,” offering insights into the mechanisms, applications, and future directions of dendritic cell immunotherapy.

WEGOVITA’s Role and Perspective

WEGOVITA is dedicated to facilitating access to advanced cancer treatments, including dendritic cell therapy, in Germany. The organization strongly believes that Germany is the best destination for treating advanced cancers, such as advanced colon and stomach cancer, due to:

  • Cutting-Edge Medical Facilities: Germany is home to some of the most advanced medical institutions globally, offering innovative and personalized treatment options.
  • Multidisciplinary Expert Teams: German hospitals integrate oncologists, immunologists, and other specialists who collaborate to develop tailored treatment plans for patients with complex cancer cases.
  • Access to Innovative Therapies: Germany is at the forefront of research and development in immunotherapy, continuously improving dendritic cell therapy and other targeted cancer treatments.
  • Personalized and Patient-Centered Care: The healthcare approach in Germany prioritizes individualized treatment strategies, ensuring patients receive comprehensive and customized care.
  • Regulatory Standards and Safety: Germany’s stringent medical regulations ensure high safety and efficacy standards for all cancer treatments, including dendritic cell therapy.

By leveraging Germany’s advanced medical ecosystem, WEGOVITA aims to provide patients with the highest quality care and innovative cancer treatment solutions, maximizing their chances of recovery and improved quality of life.

References
  • Steinman, R. M., & Cohn, Z. A. (1973). Identification of a novel cell type in peripheral lymphoid organs. Journal of Experimental Medicine, 137(5), 1142-1162.
  • Palucka, K., Banchereau, J. (2012). Cancer immunotherapy via dendritic cells. Nature Reviews Cancer, 12(4), 265-277.
  • Anguille, S., Smits, E. L., Bryant, C., et al. (2014). Dendritic cell-based immunotherapy for cancer. Nature Reviews Drug Discovery, 13(8), 606-619.
  • Vacchelli, E., Eggermont, A., Sautès-Fridman, C., et al. (2013). Trial Watch: Dendritic cell-based interventions for cancer therapy. Oncoimmunology, 2(12), e25771.
  • Lesterhuis, W. J., Haanen, J. B., Punt, C. J. (2011). Cancer immunotherapy—revisited. Nature Reviews Drug Discovery, 10(8), 591-600.
  • Schuler, G., Schuler-Thurner, B., Steinman, R. M. (2003). The use of dendritic cells in cancer immunotherapy. Current Opinion in Immunology, 15(5), 601-611.
  • Nobel Prize Organization. (2011). The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine 2011 – Ralph Steinman. Nobelprize.org.

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💡Important for You

WEGOVITA offers medical coordination services by connecting international patients with top hospitals and specialists across Germany. We support access to expert evaluations, facilitate treatment logistics, and present a range of available medical options.

However, WEGOVITA does not provide direct medical treatment, make medical diagnoses, or recommend specific therapies. All final medical decisions—including diagnosis, treatment planning, and cost—are made solely by licensed medical professionals after a full clinical assessment of the individual patient.

This information is provided for informational purposes, based on internationally recognized guidelines and practices used in Germany’s leading medical institutions. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice.

💡 Interested in clinical trial references, treatment innovations, or cost comparisons? Contact our medical coordination team at info@wegovita.com for personalized assistance.

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