In summary, we propose that adoptive transfer of Mam-A2 CD8 T cells encompassing a heterogeneous memory phenotype including CD62Lhi/CD27hi, CD62Llo/CD27hi and CD62Llo/CD27lo together with low dose TBI, which effects both the rate of tumor growth and the ability of tumor derived DCs to present tumor antigens to tumor specific CD8 T cells, could be used as a therapy to effectively treat breast cancer patients. The gene discussed is CD8A; the disease is breast cancer.