Cytomegalovirus vaccine helps in the treatment of glioblastoma
According to statistics, cytomegalovirus (CMV) belonging to the herpes virus family infects up to 80% of the population. Usually, this virus causes almost no clinical symptoms and is not registered in most people. However, cytomegalovirus is registered in the blood and in the tumor tissue in more than 80% of patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma. Duke University scientists working under the guidance of Dr. Duane Mitchell have suggested that vaccinating patients against cytomegalovirus may help in the fight against the tumor.
Phase II clinical trials involved 21 patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma. After removal of the tumor and a comprehensive course of radiation and temozolomide chemotherapy (temozolomide, TMZ), patients underwent a monthly course of temozalomide and intradermal vaccination. The vaccine contained dendritic cells, which were previously injected with RNA encoding the sequence of pp65 protein, the most immunogenic of the proteins that make up the cytomegalovirus envelope. Vaccination was continued until signs of tumor progression or death of the patient appeared.
The use of the vaccine increased the average period before tumor recurrence from 6-7 to more than 12 months after surgery. In addition, the average life expectancy of patients increased from about 14 months (with traditional treatment) to more than 20 months.
Sandra Hillburn, one of the participants in the trials, has been undergoing monthly vaccination for almost two years after she was diagnosed with glioblastoma in April 2006.
The authors emphasize that the results obtained are preliminary and continue to conduct a comparative analysis of data on patient survival during standard therapy and additional vaccination. However, they believe that the vaccine they have developed has great potential, and plan to conduct phase III clinical trials.
The authors will present a report entitled "Efficacy of a phase II vaccine targeting Cytomegalovirus antigens in newly diagnosed GBM" At the annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, which will be held on Sunday, June 1 in Chicago.
Portal "Eternal youth" www.vechnayamolodost.ru based on the materials of ScienceDaily
30.05.2008