Targeting epidermal growth factor receptor variant III: a novel strategy for the therapy of malignant glioma.
Immunotherapy represents an exciting approach for the treatment of glioblastoma multiforme. The success of this approach depends on the identification of tumor-specific antigens that can then be exploited to target the tumor. One such antigen, the epidermal growth factor receptor variant III (EGFRvIII) is found in up to 50% of malignant gliomas. This molecule is an interesting vaccine candidate since its expression is tumor specific. Recent preclinical, as well as clinical, studies of EGFRvIII-based vaccines suggest a promising role for immunotherapy of malignant gliomas. This review focuses on vaccines that target EGFRvIII. We review preclinical and clinical data and emphasize the immunological mechanisms involved in its therapeutic effect.
Sonabend
Adam M
AM
University of Chicago Brain Tumor Center, The University of Chicago Section of Neurosurgery, Chicago, IL, USA. adam.sonabend@gmail.com
Dana
Karen
K
Lesniak
Maciej S
MS
D000818:Animals; D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D019496:Cancer Vaccines / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems; D066246:ErbB Receptors / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*; D005260:Female; D005910:Glioma / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007167:Immunotherapy / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D011379:Prognosis; D018570:Risk Assessment; D016019:Survival Analysis; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D019496:Cancer Vaccines; D066246:ErbB Receptors