Abstract: The present invention concerns embodiments for determining whether an individual in need of immunotherapy will be responsive to the immunotherapy. Determination of one or more SNPs in particular genes is predictive of responsiveness to immunotherapy, particularly in individuals that have melanoma, for example. In certain embodiments, the SNPs are in ITGB2, SP1 1O, ILIB, IL23R, SLC11A1, IL12B, CCR5, TNF, ILIO, CXCL12, BTNL2, ANKRD20A4, CD 14, P2X7, IL8, TLR2, and/or CD209.

Abstract: Methods of Mycobacterial immunotherapy for the treatment of cancer are described. In certain cases, these methods concern administration of attenuated Mycobacteria by intradermal injection into non tumor tissues. Methods of the invention, provide safe and effective treatments for malignant tumors and the compositions for use in such treatments. Methods for determine the effectiveness of such immunotherapies are also described.

Abstract: Methods of Mycobacterial immunotherapy for the treatment of cancer are described. In certain cases, these methods concern administration of attenuated Mycobacteria by intradermal injection into non tumor tissues. Methods of the invention, provide safe and effective treatments for malignant tumors and the compositions for use in such treatments. Methods for determine the effectiveness of such immunotherapies are also described.

Abstract: This invention provides the isolation and characterization of a tumor associated antigen which can be used for immunodiagnosis, immunoprognosis, and therapy of human cancer. The antigen is a protein molecule with a molecular weight of about 35 kD after reduction and separation by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The antigen has been detected in serum of cancer patients.

Abstract: The present invention describes a method for identification of lymph nodes and the presence or absence of lymph node metastases as an important prognostic factor in early stage cancers of all types. A carbon black suspension is administered in combination with a second compound to a region associated with a neoplastic tumor in a patient. The sentinel lymph node associated with the disease-associated region is identified by the accumulation of carbon particles. The region associated with the accumulation of carbon black particles is then subject to histopathology for the purpose of identification, diagnosing, staging or predicting the presence of neoplastic tissue. The neoplastic tumor is any neoplasm that metastasizes via the lymphatic channels.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to compositions and methods for the induction of immune responses in mammals against enveloped animal viruses. More particularly, the invention provides vaccine compositions containing multiple MHC allotypes. By generating an immune response against these MHC molecules, virus or virus-infected cells expressing foreign MHC molecules can be attacked prior to infection of cells in the immunized host. In some embodiments, the vaccine compositions contain viral antigens and adjuvants as well. The vaccine compositions may comprise intact cells, cell-derived membrane preparations or recombinantly or chemically produced MHC molecules or fragments thereof.

Abstract: This invention provides the isolation and characterization of a tumor associated antigen which can be used for immunodiagnosis, immunoprognosis, and therapy of human cancer. The antigen is a protein molecule with a molecular weight of about 35 kD after reduction and separation by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The antigen has been detected in serum of cancer patients.

Abstract: This invention provides the isolation and characterization of a tumor associated antigen which can be used for immunodiagnosis, immunoprognosis, and therapy of human cancer. The antigen is a protein molecule with a molecular weight of about 35 kD after reduction and separation by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The antigen has been detected in serum of cancer patients.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods for enhancing the antibody and T cell response to cellular antigens by incorporating an immunopotentiating agent into the cellular membrane or into an intracellular compartment. Such adjuvant-incorporated cell compositions are useful in methods to increase immune responses against antigens, including immunologically cryptic tumor cell antigens, and may be employed to generate useful diagnostic antibodies, to elicit anti-tumor effects in immunized animals, and to significantly prolong survival in animals with cancer.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to compositions and methods for the induction of immune responses in mammals against enveloped animal viruses. More particularly, the invention provides vaccine compositions containing multiple MHC allotypes. By generating an immune response against these MHC molecules, virus or virus-infected cells expressing foreign MHC molecules can be attacked prior to infection of cells in the immunized host. In some embodiments, the vaccine compositions contain viral antigens and adjuvants as well. The vaccine compositions may comprise intact cells, cell-derived membrane preparations or recombinantly or chemically produced MHC molecules or fragments thereof.

Abstract: A method for inducing or enhancing in a human subject the production of antibodies reactive with the polypeptide subunit of Urinary Tumor Associated Antigen having a molecular weight of about 90 to 100 kD after reduction by .beta.-mercaptoethanol and separation by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis is disclosed. The method comprises administering to the subject an effective dose of a composition comprising inactivated tumor cells having Urinary Tumor Associated Antigen on the cell surface and at least one tumor associated antigen selected from the group consisting of GM-2, GD-2, Fetal Antigen and Melanoma Associated Antigen.

Abstract: A new polyvalent melanoma cell vaccine is disclosed comprised of one or more allogeneic melanoma cell lines which contain effective concentrations of melanoma associated antigens. Further disclosed are a method of stimulating an immunological response by administering the described vaccine as well as a method of prognosticating a patient.

Abstract: A new polyvalent melanoma cell vaccine is disclosed comprised of one or more allogeneic melanoma cell lines which contain effective concentrations of melanoma associated antigens. Further disclosed are a method of stimulating an immunological response by administering the described vaccine as well as a method of prognosticating a patient.

Abstract: The present invention describes Urinary Tumor Associated Antigen (UTAA), its isolation and use in diagnostic assays. In particular, UTAA has been identified in samples from cancer patients, in some cases as part of an immune complex of UTAA and UTAA-specific immunoglobulin. Isolated UTAA also may be formulated as a pharmaceutical for production of antibodies or as a vaccine.

Abstract: A method of treating a patient exhibiting a neoplasm is provided comprising administering a therapeutically effective dose of Follicle Regulatory Protein (FRP), or a polypeptide analog thereof. The method may be used both pre- and post-operatively.

Abstract: A method of treating patients exhibiting neoplasms of gonadal origin is provided comprising administering a therapeutically effective dose of Follicle Regulatory Protein (FRP). The method may be used both pre- and post-operatively.

Abstract: GM2 is a ganglioside present on the surface of tumors and stimulates an appreciable immune response in mammals. It is useful when coupled with a non-toxic protein carrier or mixed with an adjuvent and injected parenterally of raising the anti-GM2 titer in serum. GM2 is also valuable as a diagnostic agent.