Prostvac-VF: a vector-based vaccine targeting PSA in prostate cancer

Expert Opin Investig Drugs. 2009 Jul;18(7):1001-11. doi: 10.1517/13543780902997928.

Abstract

Prostvac is a prostate cancer vaccine regimen consisting of a recombinant vaccinia vector as a primary vaccination, followed by multiple booster vaccinations employing a recombinant fowlpox vector. Both vectors contain the transgenes for prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and multiple T-cell co-stimulatory molecules (TRICOM). The PSA-TRICOM vaccines infect antigen-presenting cells (APCs) and generate proteins that are expressed on the surface of the APCs in an immune context. The interaction of these APCs with T cells initiates a targeted immune response and T cell-mediated tumor cell destruction. Preliminary clinical trials have indicated negligible toxicity, and Phase II trials have suggested a survival benefit after treatment with Prostvac, especially in patients with indolent disease characteristics. Preclinical and clinical data indicate that radiation, hormonal therapy, and chemotherapy may be combined with Prostvac to enhance the vaccine's efficacy. Additional strategies are in development to further enhance the clinical benefits of Prostvac, and a Phase III trial is being planned in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cancer Vaccines / administration & dosage*
  • Cancer Vaccines / genetics
  • Cancer Vaccines / immunology
  • Clinical Trials, Phase II as Topic / methods
  • Clinical Trials, Phase II as Topic / trends
  • Gene Targeting / methods*
  • Gene Targeting / trends
  • Genetic Vectors / administration & dosage*
  • Genetic Vectors / immunology*
  • Humans
  • Immunization, Secondary / methods
  • Immunization, Secondary / trends
  • Male
  • Prostate-Specific Antigen / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Prostate-Specific Antigen / immunology*
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / genetics
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / prevention & control*
  • Vaccines, Synthetic / administration & dosage
  • Vaccines, Synthetic / immunology

Substances

  • Cancer Vaccines
  • PROSTVAC
  • Vaccines, Synthetic
  • Prostate-Specific Antigen