Summary of Invention
This invention is a therapeutic DNA or peptide vaccine comprised of both a vascular antigen (the tumor endothelial marker 8 [TEM8]) directed against tumor angiogenesis and a tumor-associated antigen, such as HER2/neu, gp75, or PSMA. Due to the synergistic effect of the two antigens, a vaccine containing both is more effective than a vaccine containing either antigen alone. This invention allows for the development of a very general TEM8-based vaccine that may be used for a range of solid tumors; since any tumor supported by vasculature, and for which an antigen (such as a differentiation antigen) has been defined, can be treated using this approach.
This invention is better than current cancer immunotherapies that involve the use of single targets that don't address the fact that cancers are complex in nature, often presenting multiple targets. In addition, tumor cells are genetically unstable and subject to a high mutation rate. An immune response mounted against a single antigen may not be effective in the long run. This invention solves these problems by developing vaccines that include a variety of epitopes that are directed to multiple targets.
Advantages
The synergistic effect of the antigen combination induces a very potent antitumor immunity.
Areas of Application
DNA/protein vaccines for the treatment of cancer.
Stage of Development
Preclinical in vivo studies show that the combination provides tumor protection and tumor-free survival in 93 percent of the mice compared with 0 to 40 percent when the mice were treated with either antigen alone.
Lead Inventor
Dr. Polly D. Gregor
Patent Information
Worldwide patent protection available.
Contact Information
Julia Calonge, PhD
Tel: 212-639-6181; Fax: 212-717-3439
E-mail: calongej@mskcc.org
