RANDOMIZED PHASE II TRIAL OF AUTOLOGOUS TUMOR CELL VACCINE

Study start date: August 1, 1992

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically confirmed cancer with documented regional lymph node or distant metastases not considered cured by standard therapy Achievement of maximum benefit (i.e., CR or PR) from cytoreductive therapy prior to entry allowed Eligible tumor types include: Breast Prostate Colorectal Sarcoma Lung Renal cell Melanoma Large resected primary cancers at risk for recurrence and for which no standard adjuvant therapy available Viable autologous tumor cells derived from an autologous tumor cell line required No active brain metastases Previously treated and responsive brain metastases allowed unless corticosteroid dependent PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: 18 and over Performance status: ECOG 0-2 Hematopoietic: WBC at least 3,000/mm3 Platelet count at least 100,000/mm3 Hematocrit at least 30% Hepatic: Bilirubin less than 2.0 mg/dL PT and PTT normal Renal: Creatinine less than 2.0 mg/dL Cardiovascular: No myocardial infarction within the past 6 months No congestive heart failure requiring medication Pulmonary: Respiratory reserve must be reasonable No requirement for supplemental oxygen No dyspnea at rest PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: Prior biologic therapy allowed No concurrent biologic therapy (including cyclosporine) Chemotherapy: At least 24 hours since prior cyclophosphamide At least 4 weeks since other systemic antineoplastic chemotherapy and recovered Endocrine therapy: Homeopathic corticosteroids allowed At least 4 weeks since prior corticosteroids No other concurrent corticosteroids Radiotherapy: Prior radiotherapy allowed Surgery: Prior surgery allowed