Autologous graft-versus-host disease: immunotherapy of breast cancer after bone marrow transplantation.

Clinical and laboratory evidence of a dose-response relationship has prompted the investigation of high-dose therapy with bone marrow transplantation in the treatment of women with metastatic breast cancer. Remission rates are high, but only a small proportion appear durable. An antitumor effect is associated with allogeneic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) as well as with a similar syndrome that can be induced following autologous transplantation (autologous GVHD) by treatment with cyclosporine A following marrow infusion. The clinical manipulation of autologous GVHD may increase the potency of high-dose therapy. Clinical studies indicate that autologous GVHD can be induced in women with breast cancer and can be augmented by the administration of interferon gamma. Preliminary evidence indicates associated antitumor activity in vitro.