Results of clinical trials with an allogenic melanoma tumor cell lysate vaccine: Melacine.
The identification of proteins and carbohydrates associated with melanoma led to development of defined antigen vaccines. However, vaccines derived from whole allogeneic cells have a number of advantages. Melacine is an allogeneic melanoma tumor cell lysate combined with an immunologic adjuvant, DETOX. Phase I and II trials in stage IV melanoma showed low-level antitumor activity, but this vaccine has its greatest promise in the adjuvant setting. A phase III trial indicated a survival benefit for Melacine in the subset of melanoma patients who express the HLA class I antigens A2 and/or HLA-C3. This finding must now be prospectively confirmed.
Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Michigan Health System, 3306 Cancer Center, 1500 East Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-0932, USA. vsondak@umich.edu
Vernon K
VK
Sondak
Jeffrey A
JA
Sosman
D019496:Cancer Vaccines / Q000276:immunology* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D006680:HLA Antigens / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D016233:Immunotherapy, Active; D008545:Melanoma / Q000276:immunology* / Q000628:therapy*; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000276:immunology / Q000628:therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D019496:Cancer Vaccines; D006680:HLA Antigens; C116434:Melacine