Tumor Lysate Pulsed Dendritic Cell Immunotherapy for Patients With Brain Tumors

Inclusion Criteria:

* No age or gender limit, though minimal weight limitations for apheresis is about 15 - 20 Kg.
* Both male and female of childbearing age entering the protocol must use a medically accepted form of birth control during the study, will be required to have a negative pregnancy test for female.
* patients with atypical malignant brain tumor will be eligible.
* Patients must have a Karnofsky performance score of at least 60%
* patients may be maintained on glucocorticoid therapy at the lowest possible dose.
* Baseline hematologic studies and chemistry profiles must meet the criteria.
* Tumor specimen of adequate size to yield protein concentration in sufficient quantity.
* Tumor-lysate peptide must be generated in sufficient quantity to pulse the APC's for vaccination.
* Patient must have no prior sensitivity to the components of the dendritic cell vaccine.
* Patient must agree to consider an autopsy in the event of death in an attempt to learn more concerning the nature of this treatment and tumor biology.
* Patient must be capable of signing IRB approved Research Consent and Release of medical Records form.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Severe pulmonary, cardiac or other systemic disease associated with an unacceptable anesthetic or operative risk.
* The presence of an acute infection requiring active treatment will be criteria for delay or exclusion.
* Patients with a known history of an autoimmune disorder.
* Inability to give informed consent.
* Pregnancy.