Vaccine + Immunological Adjuvant for Neuroblastoma

Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)

Brian H. Kushner, MD - MSK Pediatric ...

Overseen ByBrian Kushner, MD

Age: < 65

Sex: Any

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Phase 1 & 2

Waitlist Available

Sponsor: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

No Placebo Group

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?In the first part of this study we found the highest dose of the vaccine that did not have too many side effects. We are now trying to find out what effects the vaccine has when given at the same dose to all patients. The main treatment in this protocol is a vaccine. It is called a " bivalent vaccine" which means it has 2 antigens. An antigen is a specific protein on the surface of a cell. The antigens are called GD2L and GD3L. We want the vaccine to cause the patient's immune system to make antibodies against the antigens. Antibodies are made by the body to attack cancer (and to fight infections). If the patient can make antibodies against the 2 antigens in the vaccine, those antibodies might also attach to neuroblastoma cells because a lot of each antigen is on neuroblastoma (and very little on other parts of the body). Then, the attached antibodies would attract the patient's white blood cells to kill the neuroblastoma. This protocol also uses β-glucan which is a kind of sugar from yeast. β-glucan is taken by mouth and can help white blood cells kill cancer. The best way to get the body to make antibodies against the 2 antigens is to link each antigen to a protein called KLH (which stands for: keyhole limpet hemocyanin) and to mix them with a substance called QS-21. But it is hard to get enough QS-21 so we are using an identical substance called OPT-821, which we can get easily in large amounts for use in patients.

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for high-risk neuroblastoma patients who've had previous immunotherapy, are in first or subsequent remission, and have normal organ function tests. They must be able to follow the study plan and not have allergies to vaccine components like KLH or OPT-821.

Inclusion Criteria

My neuroblastoma is high-risk and fits specific stage and age criteria.

Signed informed consent indicating awareness of the investigational nature of this program.

I have been diagnosed with neuroblastoma based on tissue tests or bone marrow and urine tests.

+10 more

Exclusion Criteria

Inability to comply with protocol requirements.

History of allergy to KLH, QS-21, OPT-821, or glucan.

I do not have a severe infection that is putting my life at risk.

Participant Groups

The trial is testing a bivalent vaccine with two antigens linked to KLH protein, combined with an adjuvant (OPT-821) and oral β-glucan. The goal is to stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies that target neuroblastoma cells.

3Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Group I: vaccine group twoExperimental Treatment2 Interventions

Group II: vaccine group threeExperimental Treatment2 Interventions

Patients will receive a total of 7 subcutaneous injections, at weeks 1, 2, 3, 8 , 20 , 32 , and 52. Minor schedule adjus tment s are permitted , as needed Vaccines must occur a minimum of 6 days apart. The last three vaccine s can be administered up to one week earlier or later than indicated without representing a protocol violation.Group 3 will include patients who have previously received vaccine and oral β glucanglucan. Patients in this group will not be randomized using the MSK CRDB system. They will be treated as patients in Group 1 and receive o ral β glucan (40 mg/kg/day) starting at week 6 or 7 and continue with approximately 2 weeks on, 2 weeks off, up to 1 cycle after the last vaccination . They will not be eligible for primary endpoint.

Group III: vaccine group oneExperimental Treatment2 Interventions

Patients will receive a total of 7 subcutaneous injections, at weeks 1, 2, 3, 8 , 20 , 32 , and 52. Minor schedule adjus tment s are permitted , as needed Vaccines must occur a inimum of 6 days apart. The last three vaccine s can be administered up to one week earlier or later than indicated without representing a protocol violation.Patients assigned to in Group 1 will receive o ral β glucan (40 mg/kg/day) starting at week 6 or 7 and continue with approximately 2 weeks on, 2 weeks off, up to 1 cycle after the last vaccination .