2020/06/24
Keio University School of Medicine
A research group led by Associate Professor Masahiro Toda of the Department of Neurosurgery, Keio University School of Medicine, has developed a new treatment, a VEGFR vaccine, focusing on the high expression of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) in the tumor blood vessels of NF2. Cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) activated by the vaccine target and destroy cells expressing VEGFR. Furthermore, since CTLs persist in the body, long-term effects are expected.
In the world's first clinical trial of this immunotherapy for neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2), an analysis of seven cases where the administration of the peptide vaccine was completed has shown promising results in terms of safety and efficacy. We will continue our efforts to complete this trial.
NF2 is a rare, intractable disease that often develops in people in their teens and 20s. In almost all cases, multiple nervous system tumors develop and progress relatively quickly. The most common symptoms, caused by acoustic neuromas, include hearing loss, dizziness, unsteadiness, and tinnitus. Other serious symptoms such as seizures and hemiplegia can also occur. Although surgery and radiation therapy are available, controlling the multiple tumors is difficult, and there is a need for the development of new treatments.
The results of this research were published in the online edition of the British scientific journal "Nature Communications" on Tuesday, December 17, 2019 (JST).
Please see below for the full press release.