Abstract: A method of preserving haptenized tumor cells is described. The method employs a freezing medium containing an effective amount of sucrose and human serum albumin in an isotonic buffered saline solution. Cryogenically preserving haptenized cells in such a medium has been found to maintain the integrity of the tumor cells during storage. The haptenized tumor cells also retain cell-associated antigens and haptens, and are as immunogenic, i.e., capable of inducing immunotherapeutic response, as fresh vaccine in a mouse model of metastatic disease. In a specific embodiment, haptenized cells are exposed to a solution of 8% sucrose, 10% human serum albumin in Hank's buffered solution, and then frozen to ?80° C. overnight and then stored in a liquid nitrogen freezer. Methods of storing haptenized tumor cells and compositions are also provided.

Abstract: A method of preserving haptenized tumor cells is described. The method employs a freezing medium containing an effective amount of sucrose and human serum albumin in an isotonic buffered saline solution. Cryogenically preserving haptenized cells in such a medium has been found to maintain the integrity of the tumor cells during storage. The haptenized tumor cells also retain cell-associated antigens and haptens, and are as immunogenic, i.e., capable of inducing immunotherapeutic response, as fresh vaccine in a mouse model of metastatic disease. In a specific embodiment, haptenized cells are exposed to a solution of 8% sucrose, 10% human serum albumin in Hank's buffered solution, and then frozen to ?80° C. overnight and then stored in a liquid nitrogen freezer. Methods of storing haptenized tumor cells and compositions are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides an animal model that can provide information on the effectiveness of postsurgical immunotherapies for recurrence of metastatic disease. In a specific embodiment, this tumor model used mice from which the primary 410.4 mammary carcinoma was surgically excised to assess the therapeutic potential of low-dose cyclophosphamide (CY) followed by vaccination with DNP-modified, &ggr;-irradiated, autologous tumor cells admixed with BCG compared to mice receiving low-dose CY followed by vaccination with unmodified, &ggr;-irradiated, autologous tumor cells admixed with BCG, or mice treated with PBS (control group).