Tumor infiltrating lymphocyte
Encyclopedia
Tumor infiltrating lymphocytes are white blood cell
s that have left the bloodstream and migrated
into a tumor
.
They are an important prognostic factor in melanoma
,
higher levels being associated with a better outcome.
They are key to an experimental autologous cell therapy
(Contego) for metastatic melanoma.
See also Lymphocyte#Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes
White blood cell
White blood cells, or leukocytes , are cells of the immune system involved in defending the body against both infectious disease and foreign materials. Five different and diverse types of leukocytes exist, but they are all produced and derived from a multipotent cell in the bone marrow known as a...
s that have left the bloodstream and migrated
Cell migration
Cell migration is a central process in the development and maintenance of multicellular organisms. Tissue formation during embryonic development, wound healing and immune responses all require the orchestrated movement of cells in particular directions to specific locations...
into a tumor
Tumor
A tumor or tumour is commonly used as a synonym for a neoplasm that appears enlarged in size. Tumor is not synonymous with cancer...
.
They are an important prognostic factor in melanoma
Melanoma
Melanoma is a malignant tumor of melanocytes. Melanocytes are cells that produce the dark pigment, melanin, which is responsible for the color of skin. They predominantly occur in skin, but are also found in other parts of the body, including the bowel and the eye...
,
higher levels being associated with a better outcome.
They are key to an experimental autologous cell therapy
Cell therapy
Cell therapy describes the process of introducing new cells into a tissue in order to treat a disease. Cell therapies often focus on the treatment of hereditary diseases, with or without the addition of gene therapy...
(Contego) for metastatic melanoma.
See also Lymphocyte#Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes
External links
- Tumor infiltrating lymphocyte entry in the public domain NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms