Rapid tumor regression in an Asian lung cancer patient following personalized neo-epitope peptide vaccination
Fenge Li1, Caixia Chen2, Tao Ju2
1Department of Gynecology, Tianjin First Center Hospital, Tianjin, China; Tianjin HengJia Biotechnology Development Co., Ltd, Tianjin, China.
Abstract:
Personalized immunotherapy targeting tumor-specific mutations represents a highly promising approach to cancer treatment. Here, we describe an Asian lung squamous cell carcinoma patient demonstrating frank disease progression following chemotherapy and EGFR inhibitor treatment. Based on tumor mutational profiling and HLA typing, a saline-based multi-epitope peptide vaccine was designed and administered along with topical imiquimod as an adjuvant. Weekly neo-epitope peptide vaccination was followed by a rapid and dramatic regression of multiple lung tumor nodules, while a much larger liver metastasis remained refractory to treatment. Peripheral blood immune monitoring showed that specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) were induced primarily against peptide targets encompassing the widely shared EGFR L858R mutation, particularly one restricted to HLA-A*3101. Immunological targeting of this driver mutation may be of particular benefit to Asian lung cancer patients due to its relatively high prevalence within this patient population.
Insights
Personalized immunotherapy using a neo-epitope peptide vaccine showed significant tumor regression in an Asian lung cancer patient. The treatment induced specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) against the EGFR L858R mutation.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunology
- Genetics
Background:
- Personalized immunotherapy offers a promising avenue for cancer treatment by targeting unique tumor mutations.
- Lung squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) patients often progress despite conventional therapies like chemotherapy and EGFR inhibitors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of a personalized neo-epitope peptide vaccine in an Asian LSCC patient with advanced disease.
- To identify the immune response generated by the vaccine and its correlation with treatment outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Tumor mutational profiling and HLA typing were performed to design a personalized multi-epitope peptide vaccine.
- The vaccine was administered with imiquimod as an adjuvant, followed by immune monitoring of peripheral blood.
Main Results:
- The patient experienced rapid regression of lung tumor nodules after weekly neo-epitope peptide vaccination.
- A significant induction of specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) targeting the EGFR L858R mutation was observed.
- One specific peptide restricted to HLA-A*3101 showed a particularly strong CTL response.
Conclusions:
- Personalized neo-epitope peptide vaccination can induce a potent anti-tumor immune response in LSCC.
- Targeting common mutations like EGFR L858R, especially in HLA-A*3101 positive patients, may be an effective strategy for Asian lung cancer patients.
