Antifugetactic agents for the treatment of cancers

Abstract

This invention provides methods and compositions for modulating movement of eukaryotic cells with migratory capacity. More specifically, the invention provides fugetactic agents and methods for the use thereof in enhancing an immune response.

1 - 38 . (canceled) 
     
     
         39 . A method for increasing the migratory capacity of immune cells into a mammalian oral tumor exhibiting fugetactic activity on said immune cells due to CXCL12 secretion, wherein said immune cells comprise tumor antigen-specific T-cells, which method comprises:
 a) selecting a mammal having said tumor which secretes a fugetactic effective amount of CXCL12 around said tumor;   b) contacting said T-cells with an anti-fugetactic concentration of 1,1′-[1,4-phenylenebis-(methylene)]bis[1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane] of up to 5 μg/mL wherein said T-cells are now capable of increasing their migration into said tumor through the fugetactic activity of said tumor.   
     
     
         40 . The method of  claim 39 , wherein said oral tumor is a squamous cell carcinoma. 
     
     
         41 . The method of  claim 39 , wherein said method further comprises administering anti-cancer therapy to the patient. 
     
     
         42 . The method of  claim 41 , wherein said anti-cancer therapy is a chemotherapeutic agent selected from the group consisting of cisplatin, carboplatin, paclitaxel, fluorouracil, hydroxyurea, and any combination thereof. 
     
     
         43 . The method of  claim 39 , wherein the anti-fugetactic agent is in a sustained release formulation. 
     
     
         44 . The method of  claim 39 , wherein the mammal is a human.