Onkologie
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More than 50% of patients with gastric cancer initially present with locally advanced or metastatic disease. In general, gastric cancer in an advanced or metastatic stage is regarded as incurable. Despite treatment with palliative chemotherapy, the median survival time is still limited and does not exceed 12 months. CASE REPORT: We report on a patient with advanced and metastatic gastric cancer who received palliative surgery and subsequent palliative chemotherapy. ⋯ Palliative chemotherapy for metastatic gastric cancer may seldom lead to long-term clinical remission. Copyright 2000 S. Karger GmbH, Freiburg
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Tumor-associated antigens recognized by cellular or humoral effectors of the immune system represent attractive targets for antigen-specific cancer therapy. Different groups of cancer-associated antigens have been identified inducing cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) responses in vitro and in vivo: 1) 'Cancer-Testis' (CT) antigens, which are expressed in different tumors and normal testis, 2) melanocyte differentiation antigens, 3) point mutations of normal genes, 4) antigens that are overexpressed in malignant tissues, and 5) viral antigens. Clinical studies with peptides derived from these antigens have been initiated to study the induction of specific CTL responses in vivo. ⋯ Clinical studies with antigenic constructs to induce both humoral and cellular immune responses will show whether these are more effective for immunotherapy of cancer. Copyright 2000 S. Karger GmbH, Freiburg