Processes for production of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes and uses of same in immunotherapy

A therapeutic population of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) produced by a method comprising:

• (a) performing a first expansion by culturing a first population of TILs in a cell culture medium comprising IL-2, and optionally OKT-3, to produce a second population of TILs, wherein the first expansion is performed in a closed system providing a first gas-permeable surface area, wherein the first expansion is performed for about 3-12 days to obtain the second population of TILs;
• (b) performing a second expansion by supplementing the cell culture medium of the second population of TILs with additional IL-2, optionally OKT-3, and antigen presenting cells (APCs), to produce a third population of TILs, wherein the second expansion is performed for about 7-12 days to obtain the third population of TILs, wherein the second expansion is performed in the closed system providing a second gas-permeable surface area, and wherein the transition from step (a) to step (b) occurs without opening the closed system;
• and
• (c) harvesting the third population of TILs, wherein the harvested third population of TILs is a therapeutic population of TILs, and wherein the transition from step (b) to step (c) occurs without opening the closed system.