TTRNA-DC vaccine(University of Florida)

It is believed that the body's immune system protects the body by attacking and killing tumor cells. T-lymphocytes (T-cells) are part of the immune system and can attack when they recognize special proteins on the surface of tumors. In most patients with advanced cancer, T-cells are not stimulated enough to kill the tumor. In this research study, we will use a patient's tumor to make a vaccine which we hope will stimulate T-cells to kill tumor cells and leave normal cells alone.
High grade gliomas (HGGs) are very aggressive and difficult for the body's immune system to attack. Before T-cells can become active against tumor cells, they require strong stimulation by special "stimulator" cells in the body called Dendritic Cells (DCs) which are also part of the immune system. DCs can recognize the cancer cells and then activate the T lymphocytes, and create this strong stimulation.
The purpose of this research study is to learn whether anti-tumor T-cells and anti-tumor DC vaccines can be given safely. Most importantly, this study is also to determine whether the T-cells and DC vaccines can stimulate a person's immune system to fight off the tumor cells in the brain.

Immunotherapy is a specific approach to treating cancer that has shown promise in adult patients for the treatment of melanoma, malignant brain tumors, and other cancers. The study investigators will use the experience they have gained from these studies to try to improve the outcome for children affected by a recurrent brain tumor.
Approximately 35 patients with first recurrence of medulloblastoma (reMB)/supratentorial primitive neuroectodermal tumors (PNETs) will be treated with tumor-specific immune cells and dendritic cell vaccines to see what impact they have on the tumor.