Using Blood Cells to Treat Advanced Breast Cancer
Author Information
Author(s): van der Wall E, Horn T, Bright E, Passos-Coehlo J-L, Bond S, Clarke B, Altomonte V, McIntyre K, Vogelsang G, Noga S J, Davis J M, Thomassen J, Ohly K V, Lee S M, Fetting J, Armstrong D K, Davidson N E, Hess A D, Kennedy M J
Primary Institution: Bunting-Blaustein Cancer Research Building, Baltimore, MD, USA
Hypothesis
Does the use of peripheral blood progenitor cells induce autologous graft-versus-host disease in patients with advanced breast cancer?
Conclusion
The study found that while autologous graft-versus-host disease was induced in some patients, it remains unclear if this leads to an anti-tumor effect.
Supporting Evidence
- Histologically proven ≥grade II cutaneous graft-versus-host disease was induced in 36% of patients.
- 76% of patients developed auto-cytotoxicity against their own pre-transplant lymphoblasts.
- The overall survival rate was 58% with a median follow-up of 2½ years.
Takeaway
The researchers wanted to see if using special blood cells could help treat women with advanced breast cancer, but they aren't sure if it really helps fight the cancer.
Methodology
Patients received cyclosporine and interferon-gamma after high-dose chemotherapy and were monitored for the development of graft-versus-host disease.
Limitations
The study does not clarify the relationship between graft-versus-host disease and anti-tumor effects.
Participant Demographics
14 women with stage IIIB and 36 women with stage IV breast cancer.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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