James L. Gulley, MD, PhD, FACP

Radiation is often considered immunosuppressive, an activity that is most likely a result of the complex interplay of hormesis and the abscopal effect. The abscopal effect, also called the “distant bystander” effect, is a paradoxical effect of radiation on cellular systems whereby local radiation may have an antitumor effect on tumors distant from the site of radiation.

Dr. Marshall has done an excellentjob in his review of thecurrent status of the design,development, and delivery of cancervaccines with emphasis on vaccinesfor the treatment of gastrointestinalcancers. He has clearly delineated boththe promise and potential limitationsof this actively emerging field ofinvestigation.