Pilot trial of tumor‐specific peptide vaccination and continuous infusion interleukin‐2 in patients with recurrent Ewing sarcoma and alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma: An inter‐institute NIH study†

Abstract

Peptide vaccination as administered in this trial did not alter the dismal clinical outcome for patients with recurrent pediatric sarcomas. Future trials of tumor vaccines in this population should target patient populations with improved immune competence and smaller tumor burdens. Furthermore, optimization of the antigen presenting cell populations may be important for inducing immune responses to peptide antigens.

Lack of effective T-lymphocyte response to the PAX3/FKHR translocation area in alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma

“…These results formed the basis for a NIH-sponsored clinical trial using the translocation peptide in a vaccine trial for pediatric ARMS [16]. In this study, patients with Ewing's sarcoma and ARMS were treated with their respective translocation peptide vaccines.…”

“…Indeed, clinical studies have been initiated, but so far the results have been somewhat disappointing [16]. In this study the peptide sequence TIGNGLSP*QNSIRHNLSL (* = translocation junction) from the translocation point area was used to pulse monocytes and immature dendritic cells (DC) for vaccination.…”

Identification of HLA-A2-restricted CTL epitope encoded by the MAGE-n gene of human hepatocellular carcinoma

“…The more direct approach involving the immunization of tumor patients with the appropriate MHC class I allele with synthetic peptides has been constructed corresponding to the defined tumor-derived MHC class I-restricted epitopes. 22,23 Among the tumor-rejection antigens identified so far, MAGE gene products are of particular interest owing to their wide expression in many tumors and their potential to induce tumor-specific CTL responses. The MAGE gene family related genes are expressed in many tumors and code for antigens that can be presented in association with some HLA class I alleles.…”

Targeting Adult and Pediatric Cancers via Cell-Based Vaccines and the Prospect of Activated B Lymphocytes as a Novel Modality

“…DC vaccination has been attempted in older children with advanced solid tumors. 41,42 These trials produced encouraging immunological and clinical results. Fifteen patients with various solid tumors and a mean age of 11 years were treated with tumor lysate and KLH pulsed autologous DC.…”