At my visit to UW, I spoke with Dr. Salazar and Dr. Webster about those of us who aren't eligible for the Her2 peptide vaccine due to being HLA-A2 negative. They said the HLA-A2 factor is what allows the vaccine to be "escorted" into the cells, and so is crucial to the success of the peptide vaccine. Therefore, those who aren't HLA-A2 positive should look to the DNA plasmid-based vaccines. I don't know if there are any at the present time which allow for concurrent Herceptin use, but let's all keep an eye on new trials, something will come up.

<3,
Lolly

Hi Lolly,
We're all cheering for you!
Are you sure that U of W isn't going to offer a HLA-A2 (-) vaccine study? My understanding was that they were.
Al

Hi Al; I'm pretty sure. I asked both Dr. Salazar and Dr. Webster, who's now following my visits, if there are any studies in the pipeline for the those who've been knocked out of this study due to HLA-A2 negative status. They both said this vaccine will only work if one is positive. Maybe I misunderstood them. I'll ask again, and post the answer in capitals if I'm wrong...I hate to be wrong about these things :(

<3,
Lolly