KimDC, Susanne anyone else planning on E75 vaccine

anne · 10-11-2005, 11:28 AM

Hi Ladies,

I just posted on the main board last week about this trial and found no one who has done it. I was wondering if either of you two have started, just to know what to expect. My mom had the HLA test at the onc. office last week and we will wait to see what the results are. I have heard from women who are doing the vaccine in Seattle but noone from this one. I would love to have any feedback.
Anne

Kim in DC · 10-12-2005, 01:45 PM

I have not enrolled as of yet but I am still very interested. I am HLA A3 not A2 so I am only eligible for this vaccine.

I am currently still taking Herceptin, following the ASCO data. Although they applied to the FDA to use in concurrently with Herceptin, they are not approved yet to do both. My onc and I decided I will continue with Herceptin until the 2 year Hera data is released at Asco next May. If they allow current Herceptin users in the trial, I'm all over it!!!!!

SusanAnne · 11-24-2005, 08:20 AM

Hi Anne,

Sorry for the late reply, haven't been signing in as frequently. I have decided to wait on the vaccine. When the trial results came out in May regarding herceptin I weighed my options and consulted with my oncologist. Since I was lucky enough to be in the best arm of that trial (herceptin + taxol) my risk of recurrence was cut in half. That brings me somewhere in the 20% range, not bad! The info from the trial also mentioned that the benefits of the herceptin reach out for four years or more. I figure it will be to my advantage to keep the vaccine trial in reserve for that time, considering also that it will be that much more refined. I hope your mom is doing well. What did she decide to do?

Susan

Cynthia · 12-12-2005, 04:43 PM

I did the E75 vaccine a year or so ago. I received it at Walter Reed (my husband is retired military so I was eligible to receive it there) rather than in Pennsylvania. I completed the vaccine series with no problems at all. After the HERA trial results were published, I pushed for, and received, late (i.e., 14 months after chemo) Herceptin (I am currently receiving it once every 3 weeks at Walter Reed). I began Herceptin after I completed the vaccine. In fact, I was encouraged to get the late Herceptin by the Walter Reed doctors involved in developing the E75 vaccine trial (over the objections of my private practice onc. who said I shouldn't get the Herceptin because it was too late).

I would be happy to share my experience with anyone who is interested in pursuing the E75 vaccine trial.

Cynthia

(Diagnosed 9/03; 4 pos. nodes; Her2+++; Er+ (90%)/Pr+(30%); bilateral mastectomy; CAFx6; rads; ovaries removed 3/05; Arimidex; so far so good (she says with toes and fingers firmly crossed).

Lauriemn · 03-19-2006, 06:58 AM

Hi Cynthia,

I just received material about the trial and am considering doing it. I would have to do it in Penn. and am wondering if you had to go back to be seen 48 hrs. after vaccination every time. I would be traveling from Minnesota and thought I could fly in and out the same day, but now see in the material about this follow-up visit 48 hours later.

did you have any side effects?

Thanks, Laurie

Cynthia · 03-20-2006, 10:45 AM

Laurie,

I replied to you on the main board.

Best of luck.
Cynthia

kat in the delta · 04-10-2006, 09:35 PM

Yes, please send me any info. about the vaccine and who is a candidate. This is the first time I heard/read about it.
Please e-mail me if necessary---thanks, katcdale@yahoo.com
I was slightly positive ER+, and PR neg - Her2+++ and have gone thru A/C with 12 Taxols, 12 Herceptins,& rad.-- now on a maintenance of herceptin every 3 wks for at least 10 more months(1 YR,)
I would like to know what the larger places like MD Anderson and Walter Reed do, since I am taking it in my small town of about 10,000 people with the only ONC. here--kat in the delta

kat in the delta · 05-15-2006, 07:37 AM

Please send info. on the vaccine, if possible--I'm interested in any help. Stage III, masc on right, A/C, 12 Taxols, 12 herceptins, rad. Now into a year of herceptin,only....Thanks, Kat

Kim in CA · 05-15-2006, 08:13 AM

Kat,

The trial that I participated in at UW was for metastatic patients who are in remission and on maintenance Herceptin. You must also be HLA2 positive. If you click on Index on the home page and then clinical trials, you will see the link to UWs site. There is contact info there and you could inquire about other trials available.

Hope this helps, Kim in CA

SaraD · 05-15-2006, 05:02 PM

has anyone heard concerns about a cancer vaccine making the immune system resistant or tolerant to the cancer? ive spoken to my science friends and my oncologist who say this is a big concern with peptide vaccines. i also saw a phase I trial specialist at u. colorado who recommended against the HER2 vaccines given at u. washington (seattle) for that reason. she said it could make the immune system tolerant, and that t cells from vaccinated patients have been shown to not be able to kill her2 positive tumors anymore. thoughts?

saleboat · 05-16-2006, 05:27 AM

Hi Sara-- I've not heard of that, but I've only looked into the vaccine trials at a superficial level. Since I've not completed my year of adjuvent Herceptin, I'm not eligible. But thank you for raising that point-- I will be sure to discuss that with my doctors once I move forward with the vaccine trial.

Jen