Regression of Lymph Node Metastases by Immunotherapy Using Autologous Breast Tumor-Lysate Pulsed Dendritic Cells: Report of a Case

A 50-year-old woman was diagnosed as having stage IV breast cancer with bilateral supraclavicular lymph node metastasis resistant to CAF therapy. She received immunotherapy using autologous tumor lysate-pulsed dendritic cells (DCs). Four cycles of DC injection into the right supraclavicular lymph nodes resulted in regression of bilateral supraclavicular lymphogenous metastasis. Histological studies revealed an accumulation of CD45⁺ T lymphcytes in the regressive lymph nodes. This case suggests that immunotherapy with DCs may be a safe and promising approach for the treatment of advanced breast cancer. Received: July 27, 2000 / Accepted: January 9, 2001