With approximately 240,890 new cases expected in 2011, prostate cancer remains the leading cause of non-melanoma cancer deaths in men. Immunotherapies using viral vector-based delivery systems targeting tumor-specific antigens are being studied. Viral vector-based delivery systems present tumor-targeted antigens (TAAs) to the immune system while breaking self-tolerance. Modified vaccinia ankara has been combined with the oncofetal antigen 5T4 to create TroVax for the treatment of castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). The 5T4 antigen is highly expressed in a large number of carcinomas, including prostate cancer, but is rarely expressed in healthy tissue. TroVax has been demonstrated to be safe and highly immunogenic, both as monotherapy and in combination with other standard of care therapies in colorectal, renal cell, and prostate cancer. With minimal side effects and the ability to produce a strong immunogenic response, TroVax (MVA-5T4) is a viable addition to the treatment of prostate cancer.
Written by:
Amato RJ, Stepankiw M. Are you the author?
Division of Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (Medical School), Memorial Hermann Cancer Center at Houston.
Reference: Clin Med Insights Oncol. 2012;6:67-73.
doi: 10.4137/CMO.S7654
PubMed Abstract
PMID: 22253556
UroToday.com Prostate Cancer Section
