Nimotuzumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody that binds specifically to human epidermal growth factor receptor, blocking receptor activation. Evidence of its radiosensitizing capacity has been widely evaluated. This article integrates published research findings regarding the role of nimotuzumab in the treatment of high grade glioma in combination with radiotherapy or radiochemotherapy in adult and pediatric populations. First, the mechanisms of action of nimotuzumab and its current applications in clinical trials containing both radiation and chemoradiation therapies are reviewed. Second, a comprehensive explanation of potential mechanisms driving radiosensitization by nimotuzumab in experimental settings is given. Finally, future directions of epidermal growth factor receptor targeting with nimotuzumab in combination with radiation containing regimens, based on its favorable toxicity profile, are proposed. It is hoped that this review may provide further insight into the rational design of new approaches employing nimotuzumab as a useful alternative for the therapeutic management of high grade glioma.

MRI/MRS data with clinical information provide a clearer picture of treatment response and confirm once again that nimotuzumab is effective in the treatment of pediatric brain tumor. These imaging procedures can be a useful tool for the clinical evaluation of study protocol in clinical practice.

2639 Background: We developed a HER2 targeting autologous dendritic cell (DC) vaccine transduced with an adenovirus expressing the extracellular and transmembrane domains of HER2 (AdHER2). In mice, the homologous vaccine cured virtually all mice with established or metastatic tumors. Protection was dependent on antibodies against HER2 that inhibited phosphorylation, but was ADCC independent. We translated these findings into a clinical trial. Methods: This is an open-label, phase I study in patients with 1) metastatic cancer that progressed after ≥ 1 standard therapies, or 2) history of high risk bladder cancer with definitive treatment, whose tumor is HER2 immunohistochemistry (IHC) score ≥ 1+ or FISH HER2/CEP17 ratio ≥ 1.8. Part 1 of the study enrolled patients naïve to HER2-directed therapies and Part 2 enrolled patients who progressed with ≥ 1 anti-HER2 therapy. Results: In Part 1, the lowest dose level (5E+6 viable DCs, N=7, 2 inevaluable) showed no benefit. At the second and third dose level (10E+6 and 20E+6; N=7 and N=4; 0 and 1 inevaluable in each), 1 CR (ovarian), 1 PR (stomach), and 3 SD (1 ovarian carcinosarcoma and 2 colon) were observed. Two bladder cancer patients who received vaccine as an adjuvant did not recur for +24 and +36 month each. In Part 2 (N=6, 2 inevaluable), 1 male breast cancer patient showed SD. Response assessed by Modified Immune Related Response Criteria is summarized in the Table. Injection-site reactions occurred in all patients and were self-limited. Echo, EKG and troponin follow up to 2 years showed no cardiac toxicity. Dose-expansion cohort (40E+6) is enrolling. Conclusions: We have translated a cancer vaccine from mice to a clinical trial. Preliminary results of a phase I trial of an autologous AdHER2 DC vaccine show potential clinical benefit in select patients with HER2 expressing tumors with no cardiac toxicity. Clinical trial information: NCT01730118. [Table: see text]

No abstract

No abstract