In vivo synergy of radiation and hu14.18-IL2 immunocytokine results in a memory T cell response in a syngeneic murine melanoma model

Method and materials C57BL/6 mice were engrafted with syngeneic GD2expressing B78 melanoma. Macroscopic tumors (~ 200 mm3) were treated with sham or single fraction 12 Gy RT. Mice then received 5 daily intra-tumor injections of human IgG, hu14.18 mAb, or hu14.18-IL2 IC. NK or T cell depletion was achieved by intraperitoneal injection of a depleting mAb (NK1.1 or CD4/CD8 mAbs). After 90 days mice rendered disease-free by initial treatment were re-challenged with a second injection of B78 melanoma. After an additional 30 days mice not developing tumors were injected at distinct sites with syngeneic B16 melanoma (related to B78 but lacking GD2) and Panc02 pancreatic cancer cells.