GI-4000 in KRAS mutant cancers. (February 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Shahda, Safi; O'Neil, Bert
• Is Part Of: Expert opinion on investigational drugs. Volume 23:Number 2(2014:Feb.)
• Page Start: 273
• Page End: 278
• Publication Date: 2014-02
• Subjects: Drugs -- Design -- Periodicals; Drugs, Investigational -- Bibliography; Drugs, Investigational -- Periodicals; 615.1
• DOI: 10.1517/13543784.2014.876408
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1354-3784

Abstract

<abstract> <title> <x xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <p> <bold> <italic>Introduction:</italic> </bold> Cancer develops mainly as a result of accumulating mutations in genes controlling cell growth regulation. <italic>RAS</italic> is one of the most commonly mutated genes in cancer. While agents targeting the signaling aspects of <italic>RAS</italic> have met with some success, resistance to therapy remains a major issue. Another focus of drug development has been to harness the immune system to target cells harboring mutated proteins, which can appear 'foreign' to the immune system. It has been observed that cancer is able to avoid regular immune surveillance through local and systemic mechanisms leading to immune tolerance. One potential way of breaking immune tolerance is through vaccine therapy.</p> <p> <bold> <italic>Areas covered:</italic> </bold> The authors review the current but limited available literature on KRAS vaccine therapy. The research reviewed was identified from PubMed and presentations from national oncology meetings related to KRAS vaccines in general and <ext-link ext-link-type="uri" xlink:href="http://informahealthcare.com/action/doSearch?type=advanced&displaySummary=true&displaySummary=true&field1=keywords&text1=GI-4000&logicalOpe1=OR&field2=articletitle&text2=GI-4000&logicalOpe2=AND&field3=all&text3=&search=Search&categoryId=41010274&categoryId=40002416&categoryId=40004717&categoryId=40004717&filter=multiple&AfterMonth=1&AfterYear=&BeforeMonth=12&BeforeYear=&sortBy=date&nh=20" xlink:type="simple" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">GI-4000</ext-link> series specifically.</p> <p> <bold> <italic>Expert opinion:</italic> </bold> While targeting KRAS has proven difficulties, developing novel vaccine approaches such as 'tarmogens' appear to be safe with early efficacy in subset of patients with <italic>KRAS</italic> mutations. However, further research is crucial to identify this group of patients and develop biomarkers.</p> </abstract>