Lovaxin C

Lovaxin C is a live attenuated Listeria cancer vaccine that is under investigation (2008) and has entered clinical trials. It is under development at Advaxis. Note: Lovaxin C has been renamed ADXS11-001

Background

The bacterial genus Listeria includes intracellular pathogenes able to induce a strong activation of the immune system. The vaccine is derived from bioengineered Listeria monocytogenes that have been attenuated and produce a tumor antigen. Lovaxin C specifically contains HPV-16-E7 antigen specific for cervical carcinoma. Women with cervical cancer are thought to be able to mount a more effective immune response against this cancer after stimulation with the vaccine.[1]

The concept has been tested in a mouse model where the vaccine led to regression of renal and colon cancer.[2]

Phase I/II studies

In phase I/II trials 15 women with end-stage (IVb) cervical cancer were treated. Flu-like symptoms including fever and hypotension were encountered. While this study was conducted to establish dose tolerance, six of the 15 treated patients were still alive 2 years later, although their life expectancy at the beginning of the trial was six months or less.[1]

Studies are planned to test the efficacy of Lovaxin C in patients with advanced cervical cancer.

References
  1. Fran Lowry (2008-05-15). "Live Listeria Vaccine Proves Safe Against End-Stage Cervical Ca in Human Trial". Ob. Gyn. News. 43 (10): 2.
  2. Zhen-Kun Pan; Georgios Ikonomidis; Audrey Lazenby; Drew Pardoll; Yvonne Paterson (1995). "A recombinant Listeria monocytogenes vaccine expressing a model tumour antigen protects mice against lethal tumour cell challenge and causes regression of established tumours". Nature Medicine. 1 (5): 471–477. doi:10.1038/nm0595-471. PMID 7585097. S2CID 25662048.
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