ABSTRACT
This chapter defines tumor-associated antigens (TAA) used in laboratory evaluations as well as in their role as immunogens. It summarizes studies of antigens in animal tumors and in human tumors and methods of separation, identification, purification and analysis of antigens. The chapter discusses the various forms of immuno-therapy and their usage alone and in combination and put into perspective the rationale for usage of a selected therapy, specific active immunotherapy, for lung cancer. It describes the quality-controlled, tested preparations of lung TAA immunogens in batches used in clinical trials. The chapter explores the mechanisms involved in the induction and maintenance of the control of lung cancer using specific active immunotherapy and considers how they might inter-relate with the possible role of dormancy, the mechanism which is the subject of this workshop. The TAAs have all been identified with the same care, precision, controls, standards, cross-tests and procedures described for lung cancer TAA identification.
