New Discoveries and Honors in Cancer Research

Read the latest cancer research and recognition from the members of the Damon Runyon scientific circle.
April 20, 2014
Novel cancer vaccine successful in Phase I clinical trial

Madhav Dhodapkar, MD (Damon Runyon-Lilly Clinical Investigator ‘02-‘07), Yale Cancer Center, New Haven, reported positive results from a Phase 1 clinical trial using a cancer vaccine called CDX-1401, which activates the patient’s immune system against cancers that express the tumor marker NY-ESO-1. In 45 patients with advanced malignancies (melanoma or non-small cell lung cancer), thirteen patients experienced stabilization of disease and two patients had tumor regression. Six of eight patients who received immune-checkpoint inhibitors such as Yervoy within 3 months after CDX-1401 administration had tumor regression. This study represents a promising approach for the next generation of vaccines against pathogens and cancer. The findings were published in Science Translational Medicine.