The approach with this particular vaccine is unique, Lesser added, because it is targeting the antigens or proteins that are present on glioma stem cells, whereas other treatment approaches mostly target differentiated tumor cells.
"The antigens used in this vaccine target the tumor stem cells -- the handful of cells that keep the tumor alive and dividing. Most of the cells we kill with standard treatment are likely not the ones driving the tumor growth. If the stem cells aren't targeted, they keep generating more tumors."
According to the biotechnology company that is conducting the trial, the Phase I clinical study of ICT-107 in GBM involved 16 newly-diagnosed patients who received the vaccine in addition to standard therapy -- surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. Those patients demonstrated a one-year overall survival of 100 percent and a two-year survival of 80 percent. Although only a small number of patients were treated, these results compare favorably with historical 61percent one-year and 26 percent two-year survival with standard care alone.
They're also working on a version for lower-grade gliomas. Sounds like it's not perfect and 16 patients is pretty close to the line between "data" and "anecdote," but this just might be the answer I've been waiting for. I guess with this - as with so much else - we will have to wait and see.
so things are moving...I am not sure if my country keeps up. I am setting up a foundation, give it the name of my father, and do whatever I can to contribute to think fight. For all of us. Hug.
ReplyDeletethis fight
ReplyDeleteMy NO said that this thing isn't ready for prime time yet, but it's one of many promising new treatments coming down the line.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great thing to do, L. If you get it up and running I'll gladly post a link to donate on my page. It may be cheaper to bring the patient to the treatment rather than the treatment to the patient.