Dendritic cell therapy -
Skin cancer & melanoma
Traditional treatment methods & modern immunotherapy
Skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in Europe. It is classified into basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and the particularly aggressive melanoma. Treatment depends on the type of tumor, its depth, stage, and whether it has metastasized.
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.
Often curative in basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma.
In melanoma, it depends on tumor thickness (Breslow) and sentinel status.
Goal: complete tumor removal.
2. Radiation therapy
Used in:
tumors that were not completely removed
elderly patients or those who are inoperable
locally advanced skin cancer
In melanoma, it is used selectively, e.g., in cases of brain metastases.
3. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (standard treatment for metastatic melanoma)
These immunotherapies have revolutionized melanoma treatment:
Pembrolizumab (PD-1)
Nivolumab (PD-1)
Ipilimumab (CTLA-4)
Combinations are possible and very effective – however, they are associated with side effects.
4. Targeted Therapy
Modern medications are available for BRAF-mutated melanoma:
BRAF inhibitors
MEK inhibitors
Often combined to prevent resistance.
5. Infusion therapies & supportive measures
Additional therapies are used to stabilize the general condition:
Nutritional therapy
Pain and wound treatment
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 goal is to specifically target T cells to tumor cells.
Procedure of dendritic cell therapy
Blood draw from the patient
Isolation of monocytes
Cultivation in a GMP laboratory
Loading with tumor antigens (e.g., tumor lysate)
Maturation into activated dendritic cells
Return via intradermal injections
The cells activated in this way can support the immune system in better recognizing tumor cells.
Combinations: Classical therapies + Dendritic cell therapy
In the case of skin cancer – especially melanoma – combination therapies make biological sense.
• DZT + Operation
After tumor removal, DZT can strengthen immune surveillance.
• GNTB + checkpoint immunotherapy
It complements T-cell activation with a specific antigen presentation.
• GNTB + Targeted Therapy (for BRAF mutation)
Biological synergism through multiple points of attack.
• DZT + Infusion-based immune system restoration
e.g. B. with glutathione, selenium, resveratrol, artesunate
→ Strengthens the immune system during intensive therapies.
• DZT + local therapies
e.g. cryoablation or laser treatment for certain skin lesions.
Goals of dendritic cell therapy in skin cancer
Activation of tumor-directed T cells
Supporting the immune system
Improvement of immune surveillance
Supplement to existing therapies
Strengthening 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 healing are made.