A phase II open labeled, randomized study of poly-ICLC matured dendritic cells for NY-ESO-1 and Mean-A peptide vaccination compared to Montanide, in melanoma patients in complete clinical remission.
ABSTRACT
Background: Dendritic cells (DC) play a critical role in tumor immune-surveillance. Combination therapies by utilizing check point inhibitors may revert tumor-induced-T cell exhaustion; however, DCs are necessary to prime/activate T cells to target tumor cells. Montanide is a mineral oil-based adjuvant that enhances the immune response to vaccination. In this study, we compared the immunogenicity of Montanide and poly-ICLC-matured DCs.
Methods: This is a Phase II open label, randomized two arm study to compare Poly-ICLC matured DC with systemic administration of Poly-ICLC on days 1 and 2 (ARM A) to Montanide ISA-51 and Poly-ICLC as adjuvants for NY-ESO-1 and Melan-A/MART-1 peptide vaccination with systemic administration of Poly-ICLC on day 2 (ARM B) in study subjects with melanoma in complete clinical remission but at high risk of disease recurrence (NCT02334735). Evaluation of primary tumor expression of NY-ESO-1 and Melan-A tumor was determined by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Humoral responses were assessed by Seromics (ELISA) and T-cell responses were performed ex-vivo by interferon (IFN)-g enzyme-linked immunospot assay (ELISPOT) and after expansion by intracellular cytokine staining (ICS).
Results: Twenty-nine patients have been enrolled in this study. IHC studies demonstrated tumor expression of NY-ESO-1 and Melan-A in 78% and 81% of the patients, respectively. 100% of patients within arm B became seropositive for NY-ESO-1 peptide by cycle 2 day 8 (C2D8). 80% of patients within arm A also seroconverted to this antigen but titers were significantly lower. Melan-A-specific antibody responses were also found in arm B patients, but to a lesser degree. However, arm A patients failed to develop seroreactivity to Melan-A. Cellular responses are under analysis. Preliminary data show that subjects in both arms develop T cell responses to both antigens.
Conclusions: This vaccine trial reached the primary endpoint of safety and tolerability. Patients vaccinated with either DC or Montanide had demonstrable antibody titers to immunizing antigens, although the latter reproducibly induced higher titers. Evaluation of cellular responses is ongoing. Clinical trial information: NCT02334735