Her2 Vaccine "immunity can persist as long as 7 years at the end of immunization"

[RhondaH]

Have any others seen this? Michele, is this the trial you participated in? Any info on?

Rhonda

Grant Update!
Encouraging News for Breast/Ovarian Cancer Patients

CTRF recently talked with Dr. Nora Disis from the University

of Washington about the outcome of her study entitled

“Combination Immunotherapy for the Generation of HER-

2/neu [HER2] Specific Cytoxic T-Cells [CTL] in Vivo.”

“Funding from CTRF has allowed us to develop two new

types of cancer treatment. First are vaccines for the prevention

of cancer relapse. We have been able to demonstrate

that HER2 is an immunogenic protein and that breast and ovarian cancer

patients can be immunized against HER2. In Phase I studies we have shown

that immunity can persist as long as 7 years at the end of immunization.

Phase II studies evaluating prevention of relapse are underway. Secondly,

we showed that after vaccination you can prime T-Cells very readily to grow in

vitro. This has allowed us to expand tumor specific T-Cells outside the body

and infuse them into breast and ovarian cancer patients literally supplying

them with an immune system that can recognize their tumor. Our initial Phase

I studies have been promising in that even advanced stage heavily treated

cancer patients have demonstrated clinical responses.”

Further research will be done with the National Institute of

Health/Department of Defense as a follow-up to CTRF funding.

For a more in-depth look at Dr. Disis’s study, see the Journal of Clinical Oncology May 15, 2004 issue.

[michele u]

I dont think this is what i had. Mine was the DNA vaccine. I really don't understand the different vaccine trials. they all do something a little different.

[Lolly]

This is the vaccine I received, it was identified in the consent form as

"Phase I-II Study of Combination Immunotherapy for the Generation of HER-2/neu Specific CytotoxicT Cells (CTL) in vivo"

I was told they had very promising results from the Phase I, so it's exciting to see the actual length of time for immuntiy.

Although I have recurred since receiving the vaccine, my oncologist and I both believe the vaccine has been a factor in keeping the recurrence contained in my lymph nodes. That's a big, big plus as far as I'm concerned!

<3 Lolly

[rinaina]

yes i have read this study online but didnt know who qualified to be in this or receive this. sounds promising. wonder if it after the seven years can be given again.

[mamacze]

This is the study I was in, and I am 26 months post lung mets diagnosis and still NED. Dr. Devon presented the results of this study at ASCO, unfortunately, I was flying back to CT and had to miss it. She will email the summary to me and I will post it.

Love Kim from CT

[Lolly]

Kim, I'll be looking for your post!
<3 Lolly

[Kim in CA]

Rhonda,

This is the trial that I was in too. With the exception of the single brain met I had last July, I continue to be NED(knock on wood!)

I will be having my blood drawn sometime in October and sent to UW to determine if I am still showing an immune response. I weasled out of the last big blood draw and asked if we could postpone until Oct. because with the endurance rides I had planned for this summer I need all the energy I can muster. Even though I haven't been on any chemo for 3 years, I really struggle with keeping my red counts up.
Kim in CA

[RhondaH]

what encouraging results.

Rhonda