Publication

Dendritic cell-based multi-epitope immunotherapy of hormone-refractory prostate carcinoma

Journal Paper/Review - Dec 1, 2006

Units
PubMed
Doi

Citation
Waeckerle-Men Y, Groettrup M, Ludewig B, Cerny T, Ackermann D, Schmid H, Böhme C, von Moos R, Fopp M, Uetz-von Allmen E, Gillessen Sommer S. Dendritic cell-based multi-epitope immunotherapy of hormone-refractory prostate carcinoma. Cancer immunology, immunotherapy : CII 2006; 55:1524-33.
Type
Journal Paper/Review (English)
Journal
Cancer immunology, immunotherapy : CII 2006; 55
Publication Date
Dec 1, 2006
Issn Print
0340-7004
Pages
1524-33
Brief description/objective

BACKGROUND: Dendritic cell (DC)-based immunotherapy is a promising approach to augment tumor antigen-specific T cell responses in cancer patients. However, tumor escape with down-regulation or complete loss of target antigens may limit the susceptibility of tumor cells to the immune attack. Concomitant generation of T cell responses against several immunodominant antigens may circumvent this potential drawback. In this trial, we determined the immunostimulatory capacity of autologous DC pulsed with multiple T cell epitopes derived from four different prostate-specific antigens in patients with advanced hormone-refractory prostate cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Autologous DC of HLA-A*0201(+) patients with hormone-refractory prostate cancer were loaded with antigenic peptides derived from prostate stem cell antigen (PSCA(14-22)), prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP(299-307)), prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA(4-12)), and prostate-specific antigen (PSA(154-163)). DC were intradermally applied six times at biweekly intervals followed-in the case of an enhanced immune response-by monthly booster injections. Immune monitoring during the time of ongoing vaccinations (12-59 weeks) included ex vivo ELISPOT measurements, MHC tetramer analysis and in vitro cytotoxicity assays. RESULTS: Of the initial six patients, three qualified for long-term multi-epitope DC vaccination. This regime was tolerated well by all three patients. The vaccination elicited significant cytotoxic T cell responses against all prostate-specific antigens tested. In addition, memory T cell responses against the control peptides derived from influenza matrix protein and tetanus toxoid were efficiently boosted. Clinically, the long-term DC vaccination was associated with an increase in PSA doubling time. CONCLUSIONS: DC-based multi-epitope immunotherapy with repeated boosting in men with hormone-refractory prostate carcinoma is feasible and generates efficient cellular antitumor responses.