UARK 2003-26: A Pilot Study of MAGE-A3 and NY-ESO-1 Immunotherapy in Combination with DT PACE Chemotherapy and Autologous Transplant in Multiple Myeloma.
Sponsor:
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Myeloma Institute for Research and Therapy
PI:
Frits van Rhee, M.D., Ph.D.
Phase:
Pilot Study
Purpose:
The doctors and researchers at UAMS have developed a new treatment for Myeloma. This treatment involves the use of peptides. Peptides are small fragments from tumor proteins which are found in Myeloma cells. These tumor peptides, when given as a subcutaneous (beneath the skin) injection (vaccine), result in an immune response to Myeloma. The hope is that the peptide vaccines will stimulate your own immune system to attack and kill the Myeloma cells.
Eligibility:
Approximately 100 patients, male or female, aged 18 years and older, and up to 70 years of age, regardless of race or ethnicity, will participate in this study at UAMS only.
Treatment:
This is an experimental treatment that will consist of receiving peptide vaccinations as a shot just under the skin (subcutaneous). You will be treated with a series of 12 peptide vaccinations. The tumor peptides used in the vaccines are unique to Myeloma and other cancers, and it is not expected that there will be an immune response to normal organs. Nevertheless, the doctors and researchers also want to find out how safe it is to give repeated peptide vaccinations by observing side effects that you may experience while you are participating in this study.
