This volume illustrates the salient aspects of cancer biology relevant to the successful implementation of immunotherapy. Topics include enhancement of antigen-specific immune responses by anti-cancer vaccines, modulation of the function of T cells within the tumor microenvironment, and the effects of genetic, epigenetic, developmental, and environmental determinants on T cell function. Other topics covered include the ex vivo expansion of T or other immune cells and their genetic modification or reprogramming to increase their ability to survive and expand when adoptively transferred back to the patients. Specific attention is devoted to the genetic manipulation of T cells through the introduction of re-directed T cell receptors, chimeric antibody receptors, and other genetic manipulation aimed at improving their effectiveness as anti-cancer agents. Furthermore, the revolutionary role of checkpoint inhibitors and their potential in combination with other immunotherapeutic approaches or with standard chemo and radiation therapy are extensively discussed.
About the Author:

Ena Wang, MD, is Director of Molecular Science, Infectious Diseases and Immunogenetics Section at the National Institutes of Health. The focus of her research is the identification of genetic traits in humans that could explain the relationship between pathogens and the host with particular interest in cancer and chronic infections During her career at NIH, Dr. Wang was twice granted the Investigator Travel Fellowship Award; received an NIH Bench-to-Bedside Award in 2002; received the Minority Award as a mentor and principle investigator in 2002; received the NCI Director's 2006 Intramural Innovation Award as co-investigator in 2006; and received the Clinic Center Director's Award for scientific excellence in 2007. Dr. Wang has authored 17 book chapters and published more than 130 peer reviewed articles. Her scientific papers have received more than 6,500 citations.

Paolo Antonio Ascierto, MD, is Vice Director of the Unit of Melanoma, Cancer Immunotherapy and Innovative Therapy at the National Institute Fondazione G. Pascale in Naples, Italy. Dr. Ascierto has published more than 117 scientific papers, which have received more than 2,100 citations.

David F. Stroncek, MD, is the Chief of the Cell Processing Section at the Department of Transfusion Medicine at the National Institutes of Health. Dr. Stroncek has published more than 264 scientific papers, which have received more than 5,300 citations.