Since the early 1990s, scientists have identified an ever-expanding number
of antigens to serve as targets for experimental cancer treatments, based o
n the stimulation of a patient's immune system. Using both immune cells and
serum to screen potential candidates, several promising antigens are curre
ntly components of vaccines directed against a wide range of tumour types.
These antigens vary in their tumour- and tissue-specificity. Their utility
as a single reagent or as part of a multi-dimensional approach is as varied
as the genes themselves. However, there are already reports indicating tha
t the promise of evoking a clinically beneficial immune response, toward hu
man tumours; is being fulfilled. In this review, we provide a summary of th
e current status of immunologic approaches to antigen discovery. We also di
scuss the need for additional, supportive data from non-immunologic techniq
ues, as well as the progression of the preclinical process towards target v
alidation.