Abstract

The present invention provides an immunogenic formulation (LCVX) for treating cancer in a subject, comprising: i) An immunologically effective amount of two or more cell lysates generated from Heat Shock-Conditioned Cancer Cell populations, wherein each heat shock- conditioned cancer cell population immediately before lysis (a) expressed two or more tumor-associated antigens (TAAs), (b) had elevated levels of two or more Damage-Associated Molecular Patterns (DAMPs) and (c) had a cell viability of higher than 80%; and ii) An immunologically effective amount of an adjuvant. Thus, the invention provides an immunogenic formulation capable to improve DC capacity to cross-present TAAs for treating cancer in a subject. Moreover, the invention provides an immunogenic formulation capable to improve CD3+ and CD8+ T-cell infiltration of tumors inhibiting tumor growth in a mammalian model. In one embodiment, the cell viability may be assessed by the absence of necrotic or apoptotic signals. Alternatively or in addition, the combined two or more cell lysates may comprise at least three TAAs and at least three DAMPs at elevated levels.