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A HER2/neu vaccine to prevent recurrence in high-risk breast cancer patients
While our results are preliminary (still
small numbers of vaccinated patients), we are encouraged that this type
of trial, evaluating cancer prevention as opposed to cancer treatment,
will ultimately reveal the power, and appropriate future use, of
cancer vaccines."
It is interesting that the reduction in
recurrences in our vaccinated breast cancer patients is similar to the
recent reports using Herceptin (trastuzumab), a monoclonal
antibody, that targets the same HER2/neu protein as our vaccine. Despite
their having the same target, which is clearly important in preventing
recurrences, the mechanism of action of the vaccine and the antibody are
quite different.
Preclinical data suggests that the two may be synergistic, and, therefore, the combination of Herceptin and our vaccine may be even more effective in preventing recurrences in high risk breast cancer patients.
Reference:
George E. Peoples
Surgical Oncology, Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, DC
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