In a nutshell
This study examined personalized peptide vaccine (PPV) immunotherapy in the treatment of advanced metastatic prostate cancer. Researchers reported that patients treated with PPV showed delayed disease progression and increased overall survival.
Some background
Immunotherapy has recently been under intense investigation as a possible treatment for advanced prostate cancer. Immunotherapies, such as personalized peptide vaccine (PPV), boost the patient’s own immune system to recognize and destroy cancer cells. Personalized peptide vaccines have recently been shown to delay cancer progression in small studies investigating different types of cancer. This phase 2 trial examined the possible clinical benefit of PPV among advanced prostate cancer patients.
Methods & findings
This early-phase study included 72 men with advanced prostate cancer which has spread despite prior treatment (metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer). Men were randomly assigned to receive treatment with either PPV and dexamethasone (a steroid) or dexamethasone alone (acting as a control group). All patients were offered chemotherapy if signs of cancer progression were noted during the study.
As shown by prostate-specific antigen levels (PSA, an indicator of prostate growth), PPV therapy was associated with a longer progression-free period (average 22 months), compared to men receiving dexamethasone alone (average 7 months). Overall survival was also significantly improved with PPV therapy. Average survival was approximately 39 months longer with PPV therapy (average 74 months) compared to dexamethasone alone (average 35 months). Similarly, the time until chemotherapy was required due to cancer progression was significantly longer with PPV therapy (52 months) than with dexamethasone alone (24 months).
Irritation at the injection site, fever, fatigue and headache were the most common side-effects associated with PPV treatment. While irritation at the injection site was reported in 81% of men treated, the rate of the other side-effects was low. No severe side-effects were noted during the study.
The bottom line
The researchers concluded that PPV is a safe and effective treatment in delaying disease progression in men with metastatic prostate cancer.
The fine print
Larger clinical trials are needed to confirm these preliminary early-phase results.
Published By :
European Urology
Date :
Jan 15, 2016
