[Christa's Mom]

Participation in Phase I clinical trial

by Christa's Mom on Sun Jul 19, 2015 8:08 pm

Hi,

EJ had an appointment with his oncologist last week and she suggested that he consider par­ticipation in a phase I study of an "Oncofetal Antigen (OFA) Multi-Peptide Immunotherapy" known as “BB-MPI-03”. As best I understand it, it is an immunotherapy aimed at three peptides found on the cells of hematological cancers, including myeloma.

EJ had his stem cell transplant (SCT) in June, 2011. He did not have maintenance and never achieved a complete response (CR), but his multiple myeloma has been mostly stable. After his SCT, his M-spike leveled out at 0.1 g/dL for 2 plus years, then rose to 0.3 g/dL and stabilized for another year and a half. Six months ago it rose to 0.5, but has been steady since then. He has no other CRAB symptoms.

I have two questions. Has anyone on the forum ever participated in a phase I trial? If so, would you mind sharing your experiences?

And, two, does anyone know anything about this therapy. I've searched the Internet but have not been able to find much about it.

Thanks! Anything you have to share would be much appreciated.

Lyn

[JPC]

Re: Participation in Phase I clinical trial

by JPC on Sun Jul 19, 2015 8:57 pm

Hello Christa's Mom:

Up to now, there have been a relatively small number of peptide immunotherapy studies for multiple myeloma. For one example of one peptide that has been recently studied, you can look up the 'Wilm's Tumor 1" or "WT-1 Peptide."

Peptide vaccines have been tested to some degree, but are an area of active research. They have not been found to be a "golden bullet" so far, but they do seem to help and they do seem to have a minimal amount of side effects so far.

This study for oncofetal antigen, I understand, is the first human study for any specific cancer. I understand that, if the treatment works right, it is intended to extend the first remission, but since it is targeting people that are in relatively good health, I am thinking that it might have somewhat of a problem in recruiting participants.

Good luck

[Christa's Mom]

Re: Participation in Phase I clinical trial

by Christa's Mom on Tue Jul 21, 2015 9:43 pm

Thanks, JPC! That was very helpful.

Lyn

[Robert]

Re: Participation in Phase I clinical trial

by Robert on Mon Sep 07, 2015 12:40 pm

Hi Christa's Mom,

I wondered if you were able to get more details about this trial and the potential benefits of the oncofetal antigen. Have you and EJ made a decision about participating? It's great that he has remained stable since transplant. May that continue for a long, long time!

Take care.