Tumor-derived activated cells: culture conditions and characterization.

This chapter presents results on the expansion and characterization of lymphocyte populations from human tumors. The lymphocytes that grew out of the tumor cell cultures were primarily T cells and were termed tumor-derived activated cells (TDAC). A panel of nine TDAC populations derived from melanoma patients was used to analyze cell surface phenotype and lytic specificity 3 to 4 weeks after the initiation of TDAC cultures. Tumor specimens enter the TDAC program through our Tumor acquisition, processing, and preservation program. The restimulation by antigen appears to be providing the ongoing antigen stimulation needed to maintain selective killing of tumor cells. The TDAC cultures were initiated from tumor chunks and cells released in the mincing process. After the initial cell harvesting and feeding, TDAC cultures were passaged every 5 to 7 days and reestablished as described earlier. Clinical trials have been initiated with TDAC as a source of bio-therapy, and preliminary results will be discussed.