Use of liposomes in a carrier comprising a continuous hydrophobic phase as a vehicle for cancer treatment
The invention compositions comprising a continuous hydrophobic phase and liposomes as a vehicle for delivery of an antigen capable of inducing a cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) response and methods for their use in the treatment of cancer.
1. A method for inducing an enhanced cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) response thereby treating cancer or inhibiting or preventing the growth or proliferation of cancer cells in a subject in need of cancer treatment comprising administering a composition comprising:
a carrier consisting essentially of oil or which is a water-in-oil emulsion, wherein the oil is mineral oil, nut oil or squalene;
liposomes;
at least one antigen comprising a CTL epitope; and
at least one T helper epitope:
wherein the antigen and the T helper epitope are encapsulated within said liposomes.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein the cancer is selected from the group consisting of: cervical, vulvar, melanoma, breast, lung, ovarian, multiple myelomna, B cell lymphoma, hepatoma, sarcoma, bladder, prostate cancer, thyroid, H/N tumors, colon, rectal, renal, pancreatic, gastric, adenocarcinoma, T cell leukemia, lymphosarcoma, uterine, esophageal, non-Hodgkin's lymphomas, endometrial, and RCC tumors.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein said T helper epitope is a separate molecule from said antigen.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein said antigen comprises said T helper epitope or wherein said antigen is fused to said T helper epitope.
5. The method of claim 1 , wherein said antigen comprises combination of CTL epitopes.
6. The method of claim 1 , wherein said CTL epitope is derived from a tumor-associated protein.