Trial Begins of Theratope® With Chemotherapy for Metastiatic Colorectal Cancer

A pilot phase II clinical trial has begun of the use of Theratope® vaccine in combination with chemotherapy for patients suffering from metastatic colorectal cancer.

The 20 patients who participate in the trial will receive a single low dose of cyclophosphamide before beginning injections of Theratope vaccine in combination with first line chemotherapy. The vaccine will be given during weeks 0, 2, 5 and 9. After week 9, patients may be given maintenance treatments monthly for four months and then every three months until the study's end.

The first four doses of Theratope vaccine will be given in combination with an immunological agent to increase the vaccine's response.

"Since we completed a previous Phase II clinical trial at the University of Nebraska, the results of which were presented at the 2001 American Society of Clinical Oncology annual meeting by Dr. Margaret Tempero, there has been a shift in the treatment of metastatic colon cancer among some oncology thought leaders," said Dr. Alex McPherson, President and CEO of Biommira.

"This new trial will evaluate whether Theratope vaccine can generate an immune response when administered in combination with chemotherapy," McPherson said.

Other Sources: Biommira