A Phase I/II Study of an Antitumor Vaccination Using Alpha (1,3) Galactosyltransferase Expressing Allogeneic Tumor Cells in Patients With Hormone Refractory Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer found in American men, other than skin
cancer. The American Cancer Society estimated that there were about 230,900 new cases of
prostate cancer in the United States in the year 2004. About 29,900 men will die of this
disease. Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in men, exceeded only
by lung cancer. This protocol attempts to exploit an approach to prostate cancer
immunotherapy using a naturally occurring barrier to xenotransplantation in humans in an
attempt to vaccinate patients against their prostate cancer. The expression of the murine
alpha (1,3) galactosyltransferase [alpha (1,3) GT] gene results in the cell surface
expression of alpha (1,3) galactosyl-epitopes (alpha-gal) on membrane glycoproteins and
glycolipids. These epitopes are the major target of the hyperacute rejection response that
occurs when organs are transplanted from non-primate donor species into man. Human hosts
often have pre-existing anti-alpha-gal antibodies that bind alpha-gal epitopes and lead to
rapid activation of complement and cell lysis. The pre-existing anti-alpha-gal antibodies
found in most individuals are thought to be due to exposure to alpha-gal epitopes that are
naturally expressed on normal gut flora leading to chronic immunological stimulation. These
antibodies may comprise up to 1% of serum IgG. In this Phase I/II trial, patients with
hormone refractory prostate cancer will undergo a series of twelve intradermal injections
with a vaccine composed of irradiated allogeneic prostate cancer cell lines (HAP-1 and
HAP-2) that have been transduced with a recombinant Moloney murine leukemia virus
(MoMLV)-based retroviral vector expressing the murine alpha (1,3) GT gene. Endpoints of the
study include determination of dose-limiting toxicity (DLT), maximum tolerated dose (MTD),
tumor and immunological responses.
Interventional
Allocation: Non-Randomized, Endpoint Classification: Safety/Efficacy Study, Intervention Model: Single Group Assignment, Masking: Open Label, Primary Purpose: Treatment
Safety and efficacy of administration of HyperAcute-Prostate (HAP) cancer cells by injection into men with hormone refractory prostate carcinoma
6 months
Yes
Charles J. Link, M.D.
Study Chair
NewLink Genetics Corporation
United States: Food and Drug Administration
NLG0103
NCT00105053
March 2005
September 2007
Name | Location |
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University of Nebraska Medical Center | Omaha, Nebraska 68198-3330 |