LAUSR

Abstract BACKGROUND Recurrent medulloblastoma and malignant glioma are lethal tumors that are virtually incurable. The cytomegalovirus (CMV) antigen pp65 is ubiquitously expressed on medulloblastoma and malignant glioma but not on healthy brain. We evaluated autologous CMV pp65 RNA-pulsed dendritic cell (DC) vaccines in children and young adults in a phase I trial. METHODS Circulating monocytes were harvested using leukapheresis, differentiated into DCs, matured, and pulsed with pp65 RNA using electroporation. DCs were packaged into vaccines (2x107DC/vaccine) and administered intradermally following tetanus-diphtheria toxoid site preconditioning every 2 weeks x3, then monthly. The primary objectives of the study were to establish the feasibility of generating at least 3 vaccines and safety. An exploratory objective was to evaluate the ability of vaccination to create and enhance patient pp65-specific T cell responses. RESULTS Eleven patients were enrolled with medulloblastoma (n=3) or glioblastoma (n=8). Ages ranged from 9–30 years old (mean 15.5y). Ten of 11 patients (91%) generated at least 3 vaccines (mean 6.2). Eight patients received at least 3 vaccines. To date, 4 patients have received all generated vaccines without progression, 4 patients have progressed, and 2 patients are still receiving vaccines. There have not been any severe adverse events probably or definitely related to vaccines. More mature data will be presented at ISPNO. CONCLUSIONS Leukapheresis and monocyte differentiation is a feasible strategy for generating adequate DCs for active immunization in children with malignant brain tumors. CMV pp65 RNA-pulsed DCs are well-tolerated and immunogenic. Efficacy endpoints will be evaluated in a subsequent phase II trial.