2024/06/12
Keio University School of Medicine
A research group led by Professor Masahiro Toda of the Department of Neurosurgery, Keio University School of Medicine, has focused on the high expression of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) in Neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) tumors and is developing a new treatment, a VEGFR peptide vaccine. This peptide vaccine activates cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs), which target and destroy cells expressing VEGFR, thereby suppressing tumor growth. Furthermore, as CTLs persist in the body, long-term effects are expected.
The world's first Phase I/II clinical trial of immunotherapy for NF2 has now been completed. An analysis of 16 patients who received the peptide vaccine as scheduled has shown promising results for its safety and efficacy. The peptide vaccine is currently being formulated, and an investigator-initiated clinical trial is planned with the aim of obtaining regulatory approval.
NF2 is a rare and intractable disease that often develops in people in their teens and 20s. It is characterized by the development of multiple nervous system tumors in almost all patients and progresses relatively quickly. The most common symptoms, caused by vestibular schwannomas, include hearing loss, dizziness, unsteadiness, and tinnitus. Other serious symptoms such as seizures and hemiplegia may also occur. Although surgery and radiation therapy are performed, 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 American scientific journal Journal of Clinical Oncology on May 23, 2024 (JST).
For the full press release, please see below.