Phase I/II Study of Peptide Vaccination Associated With GM-CT-01, a Galactomannan Oligomer That Inhibits Galectin-3, in Patients With Advanced Metastatic Melanoma
Human cancers express tumor antigens that can be targeted by cytolytic T lymphocytes (CTL).
These antigens consist of a small peptide, derived from endogenous proteins, that is
presented at the cancer cell's surface by an HLA class I molecule. Such antigenic peptides,
including MAGE-3.A1 and NA17.A2, have been tested in experimental therapeutic vaccines to
elicit CTL responses in cancer patients, mainly with metastatic melanoma. Up to now, only
rare tumor responses have been observed.
Tumor resistance to CTL killing is the most likely explanation for the poor effectiveness of
cancer vaccines. This resistance is probably acquired by the tumor during its development
and selected by its repetitive challenge with spontaneous anti-tumoral immune responses.
Recently, we have identified a novel mechanism causing anergy of tumor-associated T
lymphocytes, and established new approaches to correct this anergy in vitro. Galectin-3,
secreted by tumor cells, appears to inhibit CTL function the co-localization of the T cell
receptor and the cluster of differentiation 8 coreceptor. Importantly, this functional
defect is restored when anergic T cells are incubated with galectin-3 inhibitors such as the
disaccharides lactose and N-acetyllactosamine, and the polysaccharide GM-CT-01. GM-CT-01 is
a vegetal galactomannan oligomer, currently under clinical investigation in several types of
solid malignancies for its capacity to inhibit galectins and to synergize with chemotherapy
drugs.
Our observations suggest that treatment of cancer patients with GM-CT-01 could correct TIL
anergy and induce a more efficient and long-lasting anti-tumoral immune response following
peptide vaccination.
Interventional
Allocation: Non-Randomized, Endpoint Classification: Safety/Efficacy Study, Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment, Masking: Open Label, Primary Purpose: Treatment
Number of participants with adverse events
Change from baseline in adverse events will be recorded at each patient's visit and up to 30 days after last administration of study drugs. Measurements will use the Common Toxicity Criteria for Adverse Effects 4,0 scale
30 days after last administration of Study drugs
Yes
Jean-Francois BAURAIN, MD, PhD
Principal Investigator
Cliniques univeristaires Saint-Luc
Belgium: Federal Agency for Medicinal Products and Health Products
LUC 10-001
NCT01723813
April 2012
April 2015
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