Adoptive T cell therapy with tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) has achieved impressive clinical results with durable complete responses in patients with metastatic melanoma. The TILs are isolated from the patients own tumor tissue followed by in vitro expansion and activation for around 4-6 weeks. Before TIL infusion the patients receive 1 week of preconditioning chemotherapy with cyclophosphamide and fludarabine. After TIL infusion Interleukin-2 are administered to support T cell activation and proliferation in vivo.

In this trial the therapy is combined with peginterferon (the pegylated form of interferon alpha 2b). Interferon alpha has immunomodulatory effects and is known to upregulate HLA expression on melanoma cells and are hypothesized to synergize with TIL therapy.

Inclusion Criteria:

Histologically confirmed unresectable stage III or stage IV metastatic melanoma Metastasis available for surgical resection (about 2 cm3) and residual measurable disease after resection

ECOG performance status 0-1

Life expectancy ≥ 3 months

No significant toxicity from prior treatments

Adequate renal, hepatic and hematologic function

Women of childbearing potential (WOCBP) and men in a sexual relationship with a WOCBP must be using an effective method of contraception during treatment and for at least 6 months after completion af treatment.

Able to comprehend the information given and willing to sign informed consent

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Exclusion Criteria:

Other Malignancies, unless followed for ≥ 5 years with no sign of disease, except squamous cell carcinoma or adequately treated carcinoma in situ colli uteri.

Cerebral metastasis. Patients with previously treated CNS metastases can participate if CNS metastases are surgically removed or treated with stereotactic radiosurgery and stable ≥ 28 days after treatment measured by MRI. Patients with asymptomatic, stable and untreated CNS metastasis can in be included according to investigators and sponsors decision.

Patients with ocular melanoma

Severe allergies, history of anaphylaxis or known allergies to the administered drugs.

Serious medical or psychiatric comorbidity

Creatinine clearance < 70 ml/min

Acute or chronic infection with e.g. HIV, hepatitis, tuberculosis

Severe and active autoimmune disease

Pregnant and nursing women

Need for immunosuppressive treatment, e.g. corticosteroids or methotrexate

Concomitant treatment with other experimental drugs

Patients with uncontrolled hypercalcemia

Less than four weeks since prior systemic antineoplastic treatment at the time of treatment.

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Adverse events were collected from starting treatment until 24 weeks after TIL infusion.

Adverse events were recorded in open-ended discussion and through scoring of adverse events according to AE recording forms by the treating physician.

Only twelve patients were treated.