A novel cell-based immunotherapy may enhance treatment responses and reduce the need for conventional chemotherapy and its associated toxicities in patients with breast cancer, according to a recent study published by Han et al in JAMA Oncology.
Study Methods and Results
In the phase I clinical trial, researchers enrolled 12 patients with locally advanced stage I to III ERBB2-positive breast cancer. The research built upon insights gained from previous studies.
The novel immunotherapy leveraged dendritic cells, critical components of the immune system that normally identify infection and mobilize other elements of immunity to repel a microbial attack. By removing some of these dendritic cells from the body, biochemically reprogramming them for anticancer activity, and injecting them directly into breast tumors, the researchers were able to trigger a powerful, organized immune system attack on the cancer cells. The treatment led to the significant shrinkage of the patients’ tumors prior to the administration of standard chemotherapy.
The researchers discovered that about 67% (n = 8) of the patients demonstrated at least a 50% reduction in their tumor volume after just 6 weeks of immunotherapy. The patients reported minimal side effects, primarily mild influenza-like symptoms, compared with the severe side effects often associated with traditional chemotherapy.
Conclusions
“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,” emphasized co–senior study author Brian J. Czerniecki, MD, PhD, Chair and a senior member of the Department of Breast Oncology at the Moffitt Cancer Center.
The researchers are currently conducting a larger phase II trial to explore the efficacy of higher doses of the novel immunotherapy
“These exciting results are the culmination of nearly 30 years of collaborative research,” concluded co–senior study author Gary Koski, PhD, Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Kent State University.
Disclosure: The research in this trial was supported by the Moffitt Breast Cancer Research Fund, the Don Shula Foundation, and donations from the Pennies in Action organization. For full disclosures of the study authors, visit jamanetwork.com.
