TY - JOUR AU - Jørgensen, Nicolai Grønne AU - Ahmad, Shamaila Munir AU - Abildgaard, Niels AU - Straten, Per Thor AU - Svane, Inge Marie AU - Andersen, Mads Hald AU - Knudsen, Lene Meldgaard PY - 2016 TI - Peptide vaccination against multiple myeloma using peptides derived from anti-apoptotic proteins: a phase I trial JF - Stem Cell Investigation; Vol 3, No 12 (December 2016): Stem Cell Investigation Y2 - 2016 KW - N2 - The B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) family of proteins play a crucial role in multiple myeloma (MM), contributing to lacking apoptosis which is a hallmark of the disease. This makes the Bcl-2 proteins interesting targets for therapeutic peptide vaccination. We report a phase I trial of therapeutic vaccination with peptides from the proteins Bcl-2, Bcl-X L and Mcl-1 in patients with relapsed MM. Vaccines were given concomitant with bortezomib. Out of 7 enrolled patients, 4 received the full course of 8 vaccinations. The remaining 3 patients received fewer vaccinations due to progression, clinical decision of lacking effect and development of hypercalcemia, respectively. There were no signs of toxicity other than what was to be expected from bortezomib. Immune responses to the peptides were seen in all 6 patients receiving more than 2 vaccinations. Three patients had increased immune responses after vaccination. Vaccination against Bcl-2 was well tolerated and was able to induce immune responses in patients with relapsed MM. UR - https://sci.amegroups.org/article/view/12998