DC vaccine therapy in Renal Cell Cancer
Professor Marc S. Ernstoff, M.D.
Director, Cancer Immunotherapy, Immunotherapy Center
Dartmouth Medical School
Lebanon NH - USA
Time: 2009, Wednesday the 20th of May, 14.30
Place: "Lille Auditorium", Herlev University Hospital, Herlev Ringvej 75, DK-2730 Herlev
It would be nice to welcome you all
Professor Inge Marie Svane, M.D.
Director
Abstract
Biological therapies, such as aldesleukin (IL-2), for metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) are designed to mobilize immune effector cells that recognize and destroy cancer. IL-2 induces durable complete remissions (CR) but only in a minority of patients. We have recently observed a 50% objective response rate (16% CR) in mRCC patients treated with autologous tumor lysate -dendritic cell (DC)-vaccine, IL-2 and interferon (IFNalfa). New agents inhibiting vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) pathways have demonstrated significant benefit in mRCC patients as well, but rarely induce CRs. High blood VEGF is associated with poor response to IL-2 and can cause tumor specific immune dysregulation. Blocking VEGF pathways has been demonstrated to impede regulatory/inhibitory T cells and re-establish immune competency. We have completed a DC vaccine IL-2/IFN alfa therapy in 18 RCC designed and implemented a phase II study of a planned 24 mRCC patients using bevacizumab, DC vaccine, IL-2, and IFNalfa.
Biologic markers predictive of response to therapy allows better selection of patients and would enhance outcome and limit toxicity. Most biological markers investigated in RCC are on the tumor itself such as expression of carbonic anhydrase IX (CA-IX). Another approach to biomarkers is to determine the peripheral blood immunologic status before and following therapy which may predict response to biotherapy. We have demonstrated significant correlation of peripheral blood immune parameters, specifically CD4 T reg cells, and outcome to DC vaccine IL-2/IFN therapy and are exploring the use of PBL gene expression signatures as predictors of therapy.
Download invitation and abstract: seminar May 20, 2009 , MS Word, 94 kb
Last update: May 4, 2009
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