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Vaccine-induced apoptosis: a novel clinical trial end point?
S Amin1, R A Robins, C A Maxwell-Armstrong
1Department of Surgery, University of Nottingham, United Kingdom.
Abstract:
The functional end point of immunotherapy is to induce tumor regression. Because immune effector mechanisms usually result in apoptosis, the aim of this study was to determine whether measurement of tumor apoptosis ex vivo is a good end point to evaluate the efficacy of cancer vaccines. A prototype vaccine, 105AD7, was administered to colorectal cancer patients before resection of their primary tumors. There was a significant increase in apoptosis of tumor cells within immunized patients compared with control patients as assessed by immunohistochemistry (P = 0.005; n = 16) or by flow cytometry (P = 0.003; n = 34). Preoperative immunization and measurement of tumor cell apoptosis may be a valuable clinical end point for evaluation of new vaccine and other biological approaches.
Insights
Measuring tumor apoptosis ex vivo is an effective method for evaluating cancer vaccine efficacy. This study demonstrated that preoperative immunization significantly increased tumor cell apoptosis in colorectal cancer patients.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Immunotherapy aims to induce tumor regression, often through apoptosis.
- Evaluating the efficacy of cancer vaccines requires reliable clinical end points.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess if measuring ex vivo tumor apoptosis is a valid end point for cancer vaccine efficacy.
- To investigate the impact of a prototype cancer vaccine (105AD7) on tumor cell apoptosis.
Main Methods:
- Administered a prototype vaccine (105AD7) to colorectal cancer patients pre-surgery.
- Assessed tumor cell apoptosis using immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry in immunized vs. control patients.
Main Results:
- A significant increase in tumor cell apoptosis was observed in immunized patients compared to controls.
- Immunohistochemistry showed P = 0.005 (n=16); flow cytometry showed P = 0.003 (n=34).
Conclusions:
- Ex vivo measurement of tumor apoptosis is a valuable clinical end point for evaluating cancer vaccines.
- Preoperative immunization and subsequent apoptosis assessment can guide the development of novel biological therapies.