Autologous dendritic cell (DC) vaccines represent an innovative form of cell-based immunotherapy for the treatment of cancer. This therapeutic approach is classified as a somatic cell therapy within the newly established category of Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (ATMPs).

The foundation of this therapy lies in the activation of the patient’s immune system using in vitro-matured, tumor-specific dendritic cells derived from the patient’s own blood. These precisely trained cells correct a defect that previously prevented the immune system from recognizing and attacking cancer cells.

In their natural role, dendritic cells are responsible for identifying antigens and presenting them to the immune system. They recognize abnormal or foreign structures, such as tumor cells, and initiate an immune response—activating, among others, natural killer cells and T-cells to eliminate the identified cancer cells.

Autologous dendritic cell therapy is a prime example of personalized medicine. Since the patient’s own cells are used, the treatment is typically well tolerated and free from serious side effects.

A further advantage of DC therapy is its compatibility with chemotherapy. Dendritic cells are not targeted by most chemotherapeutic agents, allowing for potential combination therapies.

Only a small volume of the patient’s blood is needed to produce the vaccine, enabling the immune system to be trained to combat the cancer effectively and independently.

This innovative therapy harnesses intercellular communication and targeted cell stimulation as a therapeutic strategy. Cells communicate with one another primarily through the secretion of signaling molecules, which are absorbed by other cells and trigger specific biological responses—such as wound healing, modulation of inflammatory processes, or broader immunological regulation.

In addition to these signaling molecules, also referred to as growth factors, cellular communication also involves microvesicles, exosomes, proteins, and nucleic acids. These components are released from cells through processes such as membrane budding.

This natural mechanism can be replicated in vitro using the patient’s own cells—such as leukocytes, dendritic cells, or mesenchymal stem cells. In classical cell biology, the resulting product is known as conditioned medium (CM).

By applying targeted stimulation in the laboratory, the cells are induced to secrete biologically active factors into the surrounding culture medium. This CM, produced from a small quantity of the patient’s blood, can then be used therapeutically to support regenerative and healing processes.

Back Up Your Health is an innovative concept for long-term health prevention based on the preservation of the body’s own precursor cells. Similar to a stem cell bank, it enables the early storage of cells in their optimal, most viable state. Scientific studies have shown that the regenerative capacity and functional effectiveness of cells decline with age—highlighting the potential long-term benefits of early collection and preservation.

A key advantage of this approach is the potential use of stored cells in therapies such as dendritic cell immunotherapy. As the risk of developing cancer increases with age, having access to autologous cells collected at a younger and healthier stage can significantly enhance future treatment options.

In acute phases of illness, blood collection can be complicated by factors such as pre-treatment regimens, compromised general condition, or low hemoglobin levels (Hb unter 8 g/dL), often making it difficult to harvest suitable cells. Early storage during healthy years is therefore a valuable preventive measure—ensuring the availability of high-quality cells when needed.

Thanks to optimized cryopreservation protocols, the cells remain viable and can be reactivated at any time. Back Up Your Health thus offers a proactive solution for individuals seeking to safeguard their future health through personalized biological preparedness.

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