1. What is dendritic cell therapy (DZT)?

Dendritic cell therapy is a personalized immunotherapy in which the patient's own immune cells are activated in the laboratory and loaded with tumor antigens.

After being returned to the body, these cells can target T cells to tumor cells.

It is a complementary form of therapy that can have different effects on different individuals.

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2. How does the therapy work?

• DCT consists of several steps:

• Blood collection

• Isolation of immune cells (monocytes)

• Cultivation in a GMP laboratory

• Loading with tumor antigens

• Maturation of dendritic cells

• Return as injections into the skin

• A therapy cycle usually comprises 4–6 applications at intervals of several weeks.

 

3. For which types of cancer can DZT be used?

The therapy is used as a complementary treatment for many types of tumors, e.g.:

• Breast cancer

• Prostate cancer

• Lung cancer

• Colon cancer

• Liver metastases

• Renal cell carcinoma

• Pancreatic carcinoma

• Ovarian cancer

• Melanoma

• Brain tumors

• CLL & non-Hodgkin's lymphomas

 

Which patients are suitable is assessed individually on the basis of findings, blood values, and tumor biology.

 

4. Can the therapy replace conventional medical treatment?

No.

Dendritic cell therapy is not an alternative, but a supplement to recognized conventional medical procedures.

Surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and immunotherapy remain central components of cancer medicine.

 

5. What combination therapies are possible?

Depending on the diagnosis, combinations are possible, e.g.:

• DZT + chemotherapy

• DZT + immune checkpoint inhibitors

• DZT + targeted therapies

• DZT + immune-boosting infusions

• DZT + ablative procedures (e.g., cryo/laser)

The optimal combination is determined in consultation with physicians.

 

6. How safe is dendritic cell therapy?

Since only the body's own cells are used, the therapy is generally well tolerated.

Possible reactions:

Redness at the injection site

Mild fatigue

Short-term immune activation

Serious side effects are rare, but can never be completely ruled out.

 

7. Can the therapy be used for metastatic disease?

• Yes, many patients with metastatic tumors use DZT as a complementary therapy to:

• strengthen the immune system

• support tumor monitoring

• better stabilize themselves through stressful therapies

• Individual suitability is assessed based on the findings.

 

8. What role does tumor counting/immune diagnostics play?

• Specialized laboratory analyses (e.g., tumor cells in the blood) can provide information on:

• how active the tumor is

• how the immune system is responding

• whether immunological therapy appears to be appropriate

• However, they do not replace conventional diagnostics such as CT/MRI.

 

9. How long does the therapy last?

A standard therapy cycle lasts 4-6 months.

Many patients then undergo a second cycle or combine the therapy with infusion packages to strengthen the immune system.

 

10. Is there a promise of a cure?

No.

Dendritic cell therapy is an individual, immunological approach.

The effect can vary from patient to patient.

No promise of a cure is made.

The therapy is always carried out in consultation with the treating specialists.