The transfer of genetically engineered lymphocytes in melanoma patients: a Phase I dose escalation study

Background Genetically engineered T cells have broadened the opportunity for use of T cell immunotherapy in cancer patients. The possibility of improving T cell efficacy via introduction of additional genes potentially gives them an advantage over TIL. Studies in adoptive T cell transfer suggest that persistence is fundamental to the efficacy of this therapy. This Phase I clinical trial uses TCR TIL 1383I transduced T cells to target the tyrosinase antigen on melanoma cells. Two of the objectives in this clinical trial in stage IV melanoma patients include measuring persistence and monitoring the behavior of tumorreactive T cells in vivo.