In a nutshell
This study examined the safety and efficiency of OX40 in inducing an immune response against tumors in advanced cancer patients.
Some background
T cells are a type of white blood cell which can activate or suppress the immune response. Studies have shown that blocking certain receptors on T cells can remove the normal inhibition preventing the immune system from acting against cancer cells. Blocking one receptor in particular, OX40, has been found to induce an anti-tumor immune response in several pre-clinical trials. The current study examined the use of OX40 in advanced cancer patients, including those with melanoma.
Methods & findings
Thirty advanced cancer patients were given a single dose of OX40. Ten patients received a low dose of 0.1 mg/kg, ten received a moderate dose of 0.4 mg/kg, and ten received a high dose of 2 mg/kg. For each patient drug tolerance, adverse events, and anti-cancer immune response were measured.
40% of patients experienced some decrease in tumor size following OX40. However, none of the patients showed a good or partial response to treatment (defined as more than a 30% decrease in tumor size). Adverse effects were generally mild, and included flulike symptoms, rashes, and lymphopenia (low levels of certain white blood cells). Patients receiving doses of 0.1 or 0.4 mg/kg showed a significant increase in the number of active T-cells, indicating an increased anti-tumor immune response.
The bottom line
This early phase small study concluded that OX40 is a safe means of stimulating an immune response in advanced cancer patients. Evidence exists to merit advanced phase trials investigating the benefits of OX40.
The fine print
This trial included only a small number of patients, including patients diagnosed with various types of cancer. Large randomized trials focused on melanoma patients are needed to confirm the benefits of this treatment.
Published By :
Cancer research
Date :
Oct 31, 2013
