NCIt definition : A transforming growth factor beta2 (TGF-beta2) antisense gene-modified allogeneic
tumor cell vaccine with potential immunostimulatory and antineoplastic activities.
Belagenpumatucel-L is prepared by transfecting allogeneic non-small cell lung cancer
(NSCLC) cells with a plasmid containing a TGF-beta2 antisense transgene, expanding
the cells, and then irradiating and freezing them. Upon administration, this agent
may elicit a cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) response against host NSCLC cells, resulting
in decreased tumor cell proliferation; vaccine immunogenicity may be potentiated by
suppression of tumor TGF-beta2 production by antisense RNA expressed by the vaccine
plasmid TGF-beta2 antisense transgene. Elevated levels of TGF-beta2 are frequently
linked to immunosuppression in cancer patients and may be inversely correlated with
prognosis in patients with NSCLC.;