A phase I clinical trial has revealed promising results for a novel cell-based immunotherapy in patients with locally advanced, stage I-III ERBB2-positive breast cancer. The study, published in JAMA Oncology, suggests that this approach could enhance treatment responses and potentially reduce the reliance on conventional chemotherapy and its associated toxicities.
Dendritic Cell Immunotherapy: A Novel Approach
The immunotherapy leverages dendritic cells, key components of the immune system, to target and destroy cancer cells. Researchers extracted dendritic cells from patients, reprogrammed them to exhibit anti-cancer activity, and then injected them directly into breast tumors. This process aims to stimulate a powerful and targeted immune response against the cancer cells.
Clinical Trial Results
The phase I trial enrolled 12 patients with ERBB2-positive breast cancer. The results indicated that 8 out of 12 patients (67%) experienced at least a 50% reduction in tumor volume after six weeks of immunotherapy. Notably, patients reported minimal side effects, mainly mild influenza-like symptoms, in contrast to the more severe side effects typically associated with chemotherapy.
MRI scans showed nine objective responses, including six partial responses and three complete responses. Post-surgery, seven patients experienced a pathologic complete response.
Expert Commentary
"We are hopeful that we will be able to use this new immunotherapy instead of chemotherapy, or at least dramatically reduce the need for chemotherapy, for all types of breast cancer," said Dr. Brian J. Czerniecki, Chair of the Department of Breast Oncology at the Moffitt Cancer Center, co-senior author of the study.
Dr. Gary Koski, Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Kent State University and co-senior author, added, "These exciting results are the culmination of nearly 30 years of collaborative research."
Ongoing Research
Building on these encouraging findings, the researchers have initiated a larger phase II trial to investigate the efficacy of higher doses of the novel immunotherapy. This ongoing research aims to further explore the potential of this treatment approach to improve outcomes for patients with breast cancer.
The phase I trial was supported by the Moffitt Breast Cancer Research Fund, the Don Shula Foundation, and Pennies in Action.
