Th17-Inducing Vaccines for the Treatment of Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer is a deadly disease which is usually diagnosed in advanced stages.  Our goal is to develop vaccines to prevent relapse.  Natural Th17 T cells protect against recurrence following conventional treatment.  Thus, we developed a Th17 inducing vaccine targeting the folate receptor alpha and immunized patients following first line therapy.  Vaccination resulted in prolonged relapse free survival and the development of immunity was associated with efficacy.  Findings from the clinical trial as well as early insights into mechanisms of action will be discussed along with a new phase II clinical trial evaluating efficacy in a randomized controlled setting.

Learning Objectives:

1. Describe basic principles of vaccination and tumor targets

2. Describe methods for generating Th17-inducing DC vaccines

3. Describe best uses and applications of vaccines in cancer patients