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Immunotherapy with monoclonal antibody (Mab) in pancreatic adenocarcinoma

M A Tempero1, Y Haga, C Sivinski

  • 1University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha.

Insights

Monoclonal antibody 17-1A showed limited efficacy in pancreatic cancer trials. Combining it with interferon yielded some stable disease, but further trials with IL-2 were not recommended.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Immunotherapy

Background:

  • Pancreatic exocrine cancer has a poor prognosis with limited conventional treatment options.
  • Novel therapeutic strategies are urgently needed for unresectable pancreatic cancer.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy and safety of monoclonal antibody (Mab) 17-1A in patients with unresectable pancreatic exocrine cancer.
  • To explore combination therapies involving Mab 17-1A and other immunomodulatory agents.

Main Methods:

  • Clinical trials were conducted using Mab 17-1A alone, in combination with autologous mononuclear cells, and with recombinant gamma interferon.
  • In vitro studies assessed the effect of Mab 17-1A and IL-2 on pancreatic adenocarcinoma cell lines and effector cell activity.

Main Results:

  • Mab 17-1A alone showed no antitumor response and induced antimouse antibody response in 81% of patients.
  • Combination therapy with interferon resulted in one complete response and stable disease in six patients.
  • High-dose Mab 17-1A caused anaphylaxis; in vitro studies showed no rationale for IL-2 combination therapy.

Conclusions:

  • Monoclonal antibody 17-1A has limited efficacy as a monotherapy for pancreatic cancer.
  • Combination with interferon showed some benefit, but further development with IL-2 is not supported.
  • Future strategies may involve active immunotherapy or targeted toxicity using radioimmunoconjugates like 125I-labeled chimeric Mab 17-1A.

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