If you’re a federal employee and have questions about continuing coverage, please speak to your Patient Benefits Specialist and visit our insurance page here: virginiacancerspecialists.com/insurance/.

A cell-based vaccine comprised of K562 cells transfected with the granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) gene with potential immunopotentiating properties. Vaccination with GM-K562 cells may stimulate the host immune system to produce an antitumoral T-lymphocyte response, thereby inhibiting tumor growth. K562 cells are derived from the human erythroleukemia cell line K562. GM-CSF (also known as sagramostim) expressed by vaccine cells binds to specific cell surface receptors, modulating the proliferation and differentiation of a variety of hematopoietic progenitor cells with some specificity towards stimulation of leukocyte production. GM-CSF also promotes antigen presentation, up-regulates antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC), and increases interleukin-2-mediated lymphokine-activated killer cell function; it may also augment host antitumoral immunity. Check for active clinical trials using this agent. (NCI Thesaurus)

Related Posts

Award Winning Physicians

Our Physicians work for you, ensuring the highest standard of care.

Learn More