Pancreatic Cancer Vaccine
|
 |
PANVAC-VF
Therion is developing PANVAC-VF as a new treatment option for pancreatic cancer patients, with the aim to extend and improve quality of life. PANVAC-VF targets carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and mucin-1 (MUC-1), two antigens, or proteins, found on over 90 percent of pancreatic tumor cells. In addition to these antigens, the vaccine also incorporates TRICOM�, Therion's proprietary triad of costimulatory molecules, believed to enhance and sustain a targeted immune response against tumor cells. Previous studies suggest that PANVAC-VF stabilized disease and increased patient survival. PANVAC-VF is entering Phase III clinical evaluation. Please visit the Clinical Studies section for more detailed information about PANVAC-VF.
In addition to pancreatic cancer, Therion vaccines targeting CEA and MUC-1 have been tested in patients with other tumors that are known to over-express the CEA and MUC-1 antigens, including breast, lung, and colorectal cancers. Therion and the NCI are currently planning up to 18 additional studies with PANVAC-VF in these indications.
Pancreatic cancer remains one of the deadliest forms of cancer, affecting over 30,000 Americans each year. More than 95 percent of pancreatic cancer patients die from the disease. Current treatments include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. Unfortunately, pancreatic cancer is difficult to control with available therapies.
|
