Photodynamic therapy-generated cancer vaccines.

Eradication of cancer by an intervention producing a potent immune response capable of rejecting both primary and metastatic deposits remains the most pragmatic approach in cancer therapy. Cancer vaccine generated by photodynamic therapy (PDT) is therefore of considerable interest, particularly as it is becoming increasingly clear that it holds unique prospects for optimally presenting tumor antigens and because of emerging indications that its efficacy can be further potentiated by continued development. The present report dissects the preparation of PDT vaccine in a mouse model of squamous cell carcinoma.