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Clinical development of the STn-KLH vaccine (Theratope).

Abstract
The development of active specific immunotherapy depends on the identification of altered cancer cell-specific molecules or epitopes that are immunogenic. Many cancer-specific peptide or glycoprotein target antigens have been identified. Tumors carrying aberrant epitopes as a result of underglycosylation of mucins are associated with poor prognosis in many epithelial cancers. The aberrant mucin sialyl-Tn (STn) epitope, in addition to being a predictor of poor prognosis when expressed in tumors, is associated with increased aggressiveness and metastatic potential, making it a promising target for immunotherapy. The STn-keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH) vaccine (Theratope) is an investigational active specific immunotherapy consisting of a synthetic STn epitope conjugated to a high molecular weight protein carrier, KLH. The immune response generated by the STn-KLH vaccine is both humoral and cellular. More than 1000 breast cancer patients with metastatic disease are currently enrolled in a phase III clinical trial to assess the safety and efficacy of the STn-KLH vaccine. Interim analysis from a current phase III trial has confirmed the safety of the STn-KLH vaccine, and the clinical outcome awaits the final analysis expected in 2003.
AuthorsNuhad K Ibrahim, James Lee Murray
JournalClinical breast cancer (Clin Breast Cancer) Vol. 3 Suppl 4 Pg. S139-43 (Feb 2003) ISSN: 1526-8209 [Print] United States
PMID12620151 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Review)
Chemical References
  • Antigens, Tumor-Associated, Carbohydrate
  • Cancer Vaccines
  • Epitopes
  • sialyl-Tn antigen-keyhole-limpet hemocyanin conjugate
  • Hemocyanins
Topics
  • Antigens, Tumor-Associated, Carbohydrate (immunology, pharmacology, therapeutic use)
  • Breast Neoplasms (immunology, pathology, prevention & control)
  • Cancer Vaccines
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Epitopes
  • Female
  • Hemocyanins (immunology, pharmacology, therapeutic use)
  • Humans
  • Immunotherapy (trends)
  • Neoplasm Metastasis
  • Prognosis

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