Phase I Trial of Bi-shRNAfurin and GMCSF Augmented Autologous Tumor Cell Vaccine for Advanced Cancer
Preliminary studies with a variety of vaccines suggest target accessibility (potential
immunogenicity) in a variety of solid tumors to immune directed approaches. In an effort to
overcome limitations of immunostimulatory cancer vaccines, we have designed a novel
autologous vaccine to address inability to fully identify cancer associated antigens,
antigen recognition by the immune system (i.e. antigen to immunogen), effector potency, and
cancer-induced resistance. We have completed clinical investigations using two different
gene vaccine approaches to induce enhancement of tumor antigen recognition which have
demonstrated therapeutic efficacy. Specifically, both the use of a GMCSF gene transduced
vaccine (GVAX®) and a TGFβ2 antisense gene vaccine (Lucanix®), in separate trials, have
demonstrated similar beneficial effects without any evidence of significant toxicity in
advanced cancer patients. The GMCSF transgene directly stimulates increased expression of
tumor antigen(s) and enhances dendritic cell migration to the vaccination site. TGFβ2
blockade following intracellular TGFβ2 antisense gene expression reduces production of
immune inhibiting activity at the vaccine site. This appears to be one of the primary
mechanisms of inhibition of immune responsiveness in glioblastoma and lung cancer. In a
subsequent Phase I trial we combined both active principles in one autologous vaccine, TAG.
TAG vaccine has an excellent safety profile in the first nineteen patients treated
(enrollment open to any solid tumor) with one documented CR (melanoma). However, TGFβ1 is
the dominant TGFβ family inhibitory effector in the majority of other solid tumors. We
describe a unique method of inhibiting both TGFβ1 and TGFβ2 through RNA interference with
Furin. We will harvest autologous cancer cells from patients with advanced refractory
cancer. We have constructed a bi-shRNAfurin / GMCSF (FANG) expression vector plasmid and
have successfully demonstrated preclinical activity of the vector function following
transfection by electroporation and irradiation of ex vivo autologous tumor cells.
Interventional
Allocation: Non-Randomized, Endpoint Classification: Safety Study, Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment, Masking: Open Label, Primary Purpose: Treatment
To determine safety following the administration of bi-shRNAfurin and GMCSF autologous tumor cell (FANG) vaccine in advanced solid tumor patients who have no acceptable form of standard therapy with curative intent.
Participants will be followed for life
Yes
United States: Food and Drug Administration
CL-PTL 101
NCT01061840
December 2009
December 2014
Name | Location |
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Mary Crowley Cancer Research Centers | Dallas, Texas 75201 |