Adoptive immunotherapy of hormone-refractory, stage D2 prostate cancer using ex vivo activated autologous T cells (autolymphocyte therapy): results from a pilot study.

There is no effective therapy available for stage D2 prostate cancer once patients become refractory to hormonal therapy. In a pilot study, we treated 17 patients with hormone-refractory stage D2 prostate cancer using autolymphocyte therapy, an outpatient form of adoptive immunotherapy in which patients are treated with autologous T cells that have been activated ex vivo. Feasibility and safety were documented. Transient PSA reductions up to 66% were noted, suggesting biological activity. Further studies to test the safety and efficacy of autolymphocyte therapy in the treatment of prostate cancer are warranted.