Experimental vaccine goals pancreatic and colorectal cancer mutations
A groundbreaking vaccine has shown promise in preventing the recurrence of certain types of cancer. In a phase 1 clinical trial conducted by the UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, researchers tested the ELI002 2P vaccine on 25 patients who had undergone surgery for pancreas and colorectal cancer.
The patients in the study had traces of DNA indicating a high risk of cancer recurrence. Pancreatic cancer patients have an over 80% recurrence rate after surgery, with 40-50% experiencing a recurrence within the first year. Similarly, colorectal cancer patients have a 30-50% recurrence rate, typically within the first two years post-surgery.
The ELI002 2P vaccine targets mutations in the scratch gene, which are responsible for a significant portion of colorectal and pancreatic cancers. By activating an immune response in the lymph nodes through a series of injections, the vaccine prompted the generation of scratch-specific T cells in 21 out of 25 patients. Those with a stronger immune response showed a longer relapse-free survival compared to those with weaker responses.
Interestingly, three colorectal cancer patients and three pancreatic cancer patients in the study showed a complete removal of all disease biomarkers after receiving the vaccine. The majority of patients with a robust immune response remained cancer-free almost 20 months after vaccination.
The findings of the study, published in Nature Medicine, have been hailed as a significant advancement in the treatment of scratch-powered cancers. The ELI002 2P vaccine is considered “off-the-shelf,” meaning it is a standardized vaccine that does not require personalized modifications for each patient.
Dr. Zev Wainberg, the study’s lead author, emphasized the potential of the ELI002 2P vaccine in training the immune system to recognize and combat cancer mutations effectively. The team is now gearing up for a phase 2 study to test the next iteration of the vaccine, ELI-002 7P, which targets a broader set of scratch mutations.
The study, sponsored by Elicio Therapeutics, was conducted in collaboration with MD Anderson Cancer Center and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Dr. Marc Siegel, Fox News Senior Medical Analyst, highlighted the importance of targeted therapies in treating solid tumors like pancreatic cancer.
As research continues to explore innovative approaches to cancer treatment, the ELI002 2P vaccine offers hope for patients with scratch-powered cancers. The vaccine’s ability to generate precise and sustainable immune responses without the complexity of personalized vaccines marks a significant step forward in the fight against these deadly diseases.
