Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States and new approaches are needed for treating advanced stages of this cancer. UCLA researchers are developing a variety of new treatments designed to stimulate a patient's own immune system to fight the cancer. In one approach, a specific type of immune stimulating cell, called a dendritic cell, is administered to patients as a vaccine. In another approach, experimental medications are given to patients in a manner that increases the number and function of their own dendritic cells. Alternatively, a gene therapy vaccine has been developed in which patients are immunized, like getting a tetanus or flu shot, so that they develop immunity to their cancer. UCLA is an important basic research center for dendritic cell and gene immunotherapy. In addition, at any given time several clinical trials are in progress in which patients with lung cancer can participate.

For More Information:
Patients with lung cancer who are interested in being evaluated at UCLA for new types of therapy should contact the Thoracic Oncology Office.

<< back, top