The Israel Cancer Association recently publicized information
about several Israeli innovations in the field. The
information focused on the developments of vaccines against
the disease, particularly on a vaccine against melanoma --
malignant skin cancer -- which will hopefully be available
within the next few months. The innovations were discussed by
Dr. Michal Lotem, top-ranking oncologist at the Sharett
Oncology Institute of Jerusalem's Hadassah-Ein Kerem
Hospital.
Attempts to develop methods for activating the immune system
against cancer began in the `70's, but until now efforts were
unsuccessful. The cells of cancerous growths are similar to
healthy cells in their makeup. However, various features
which are different can serve as targets for immunization
attacks. Melanoma cells were chosen as a model for studies in
the area, due to the components of the cells which can serve
as attack targets.
The idea is to remove cells from the growth from the body of
the patient and then to create a vaccine against cancer from
them. This breakthrough in the area of skin cancer was made
by a team headed by Professor Tamar Peretz of the Hadassah
Hospital. In 1996 the team began to vaccinate melanoma
patients who ran a high risk of recurrence of the illness.
The vaccine was made up of a combination of cells of the
growth taken from the patients' bodies along with a chemical
called dinitro phenyl as well as weakened tuberculosis
bacteria.
Before returning them to the body the cells undergo
radiation, so that they lose their ability to divide. The
vaccination is injected into the skin of the patient in a
number of places. After the inoculation, spontaneous,
infectious reactions develop in the area of the injection. In
a large number of those receiving the treatment, a "memory"
develops which allows it to successfully prevent cancerous
cells from establishing themselves.
