Phase II Study of Theratope® Vaccine for Advanced Colorectal Cancer Underway

The Canadian technology company Biomira Inc. announced completion of enrollment of patients in its Phase II pilot study of Theratope® vaccine for treatment of advanced colorectal cancer.

Theratope is a synthetic cancer-associated carbohydrate epitope, attached to a protein carrier. It is intended to stimulate the patient's immune system.

The trial, conducted at the Cross Cancer Institute in Edmonton by lead investigator Dr. Charles Butts, is designed to evaluate the safety of the vaccine in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer, as well as evaluating the ability of the vaccine to induce an immune response in these patients when given in combination with first line chemotherapy.

The 20 patients participating in the trial will receive a single low dose of cyclophosphamide before beginning injections of Theratope vaccine in combination with first line chemotherapy (see earlier Colorectal Cancer Week story).

Data from the trial is expected to be analyzed and available in mid-2003.

"This is the first opportunity to accumulate data using Theratope® vaccine in combination with chemotherapy," said Dr. Alex McPherson, President and CEO of Biomira. "Data from this trial will be used in planning further studies using Theratope®) vaccine in colorectal cancer."

Other Sources: Biomira