The role of immunoglobulin molecules as vaccines is well recognised for tumours such as B-cell lymphomas, which are composed of immunoglobulin-producing cells. Now, research has indicated that these molecules may also be effective vaccine vehicles for other types of tumours. The current status of research with immunoglobulin-related vaccines in both traditional and novel applications was discussed at the IBC conference on Immunotherapeutic Strategies for Cancer [San Diego, US; November 1996] by Dr Carol Kobrin from the US National Cancer Institute (NCI).