Dendritic Cell Therapy -
Skin Cancer & Melanoma
Conventional treatments & modern immunotherapy
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Skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in Europe. A distinction is made between basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and the particularly aggressive melanoma. Treatment depends on the type of tumor, its depth, stage, and metastasis.
In addition to established conventional medical procedures, dendritic cell therapy (DZT) is increasingly being considered as a complementary immunological approach, especially in complex or advanced cases.

Classic treatment options for skin cancer
1. Surgery (standard therapy)
Surgical removal is the most important therapy for all types of skin cancer.
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Often curative for basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma.
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For melanoma, depends on tumor thickness (Breslow) and sentinel status.
Goal: complete tumor removal.
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2. Radiation therapy
Used for:
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Tumors that have not been completely removed
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Older patients or those who are not eligible for surgery
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Locally advanced skin cancer
In melanoma, it is used selectively, e.g., for brain metastases.
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3. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (standard for metastatic melanoma)
These immunotherapies have revolutionized melanoma treatment:
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Pembrolizumab (PD-1)
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Nivolumab (PD-1)
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Ipilimumab (CTLA-4)
Combinations are possible and very effective—but associated with side effects.
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4. Targeted therapies
Modern drugs are available for BRAF-mutated melanoma:
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BRAF inhibitors
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MEK inhibitors
Often combined to prevent resistance.
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5. Infusion therapies & supportive measures
Complementary therapies are used to stabilize the general condition:
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Nutritional therapy
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Pain and wound treatment
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Antioxidant support
Dendritic cell therapy – immunological supplement for skin cancer and melanoma
Dendritic cell therapy (DZT) is a personalized immunotherapy in which the patient's own dendritic cells are loaded with tumor antigens in the laboratory and then injected.
The aim is to target T cells specifically at tumor cells.
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Dendritic cell therapy procedure
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Blood sample taken from the patient
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Isolation of monocytes
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Cultivation in a GMP laboratory
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Loading with tumor antigens (e.g., tumor lysate)
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Maturation into activated dendritic cells
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Return via intradermal injections
The cells activated in this way can help the immune system to better recognize tumor cells.
Combinations: Conventional therapies &
dendritic cell therapy
Combination therapies are biologically beneficial in skin cancer, especially melanoma.
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• DZT + surgery
After tumor removal, DZT can strengthen immune surveillance.
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• DZT + checkpoint immunotherapy
Supplements T-cell activation with specific antigen presentation.
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• DZT + targeted therapy (for BRAF mutation)
Biological synergism through multiple points of attack.
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• DZT + infusion-based immune system support
e.g., with glutathione, selenium, resveratrol, artesunate
→ strengthens the immune system during intensive therapies.
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• DZT + local therapies
e.g., cryoablation or laser for certain skin lesions.
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Goals of dendritic cell therapy for skin cancer
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Activation of tumor-targeted T cells
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Support of the immune system
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Improvement of immune surveillance
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Supplementation of existing therapies
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Strengthening of the body's own defenses
Individual effectiveness depends on tumor type, stage, and immune status.
Dendritic cell therapy is a patient-specific immunological approach.
No promises of a cure are made.
