Most of us have known someone stricken by cancer. Chemotherapy may seem like the only viable treatment option, but doctors in Chicago are testing a new way to fight cancer without chemo, by turning cancer against itself.
Dr. Jane Winter of Northwestern University is studying FavId, a personalized cancer vaccine that is made from unique genetic material from a patient’s tumor cells. FavId is designed to treat follicular Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL).
How does FavId work? Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma is a type of cancer that usually begins when a cell of the immune system called a “B-cell” becomes abnormal, divides and spreads to other parts of the body. These B-cells carry unique proteins (specifically, antibodies) on their surfaces that are, like fingerprints, different for each lymphoma patient. FavId is made by taking a biopsy from the patient of these cancerous B-cells, and making a personalized vaccine from the genetic material in these cells. The resulting “vaccine” is then administered as an immunization that will help the immune system recognize the protein and begin fighting the lymphoma.
In Chicago, physicians are treating patients with follicular NHL, a particular type of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, in a phase III clinical trial of FavId. All patients are first treated with Rituxan®, a known effective treatment for follicular lymphoma. Patients are then randomized in the study; some receive FavId and others receive placebo. Those who receive a placebo during participation in the Phase III trial may be able to receive FavId in a separate companion trial. Patients interested in the trial can call (800) 870-0084 or email clinicaltrials@favrille.com. |
