Active Immunization of Patients With Carcinoma of Oral Cavity or Oropharynx With Autologous Dendritic Cells Transfected With DNA From Autologous Tumor

Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck Clinical Trial

Official title: Active Immunization of Patients With Carcinoma of Oral Cavity or Oropharynx With Autologous Dendritic Cells Transfected With DNA From Autologous Tumor (Phase I/II Study)

Status Terminated

Clinical Trial Summary

The primary goal of this study is to determine if the vaccine can be safely given to subjects, and to see what side effects occur (both good and bad) when they are given this experimental tumor vaccine. During this study, investigators intend to watch for tumor response while examining the effects of this vaccine on the body's immune system after it is given.

Clinical Trial Description

This is an uncontrolled, non-randomized trial to evaluate safety, immunogenicity and feasibility of a new vaccine, consisting of autologous monocyte-derived dendritic cells (DC) transfected with autologous tumor-derived DNA. Briefly, the plan is to use a two-stage trial design and to initially enroll 17 patients with primary advanced carcinoma of the oral cavity or oropharynx over a period of 2 years. The patients will undergo surgery, and a portion of the primary tumor specimen not necessary for the pathologic diagnosis will be obtained to serve as a source of tumor DNA. Each DC-based vaccine will contain DNA-transfected DC. It will be administered intranodally under ultrasound guidance. Only those patients who have normal delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) responses to recall antigens will be eligible to receive the vaccine. Immunologic response to the vaccine will be evaluated. If there is no evidence of toxicity, and >3 patients show immunologic response, the second stage of the study will be opened for accrual of 22 patients. All patients will be monitored by interferon- gamma (IFN-) secretion in enzyme-linked immunospot (ELISPOT) assays prior to and after vaccination for the frequency of T-cells responsive to autologous tumor and to the vaccine. The patients will also be evaluated before and after vaccination for the capability of their T cells to respond to activating signals delivered via the T cell receptor (TcR).

Primary Objective: To determine the safety and feasibility of immunization of patients with carcinoma of the oral cavity or oropharynx with autologous monocyte-derived dendritic cells (DC) transfected with DNA obtained from the patient's own cancer cells.

Secondary Objective: To evaluate the ability of the DNA-based DC vaccine to induce immune responses to the vaccine as well as to autologous tumor. ;

Study Design

Intervention Model: Single Group Assignment, Masking: Open Label, Primary Purpose: Treatment

Related Conditions & MeSH terms

• Carcinoma
• Carcinoma, Squamous Cell
• Head and Neck Neoplasms
• Primary Advanced Carcinoma of the Oral Cavity or Oropharynx
• Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck

• NCT number: NCT00377247
• Study type: Interventional
• Source: University of Pittsburgh
• Status: Terminated
• Phase: Phase 1
• Start date: April 2009
• Completion date: April 2009