Approximately 14,000 new cases of multiple myeloma (MM) and 1,500 new cases of Waldenstrom's Macroglobulinemia (WM) occur each year in the U.S., making these incurable plasma cell disorders the second most common hematological malignancies. A novel treatment approach for MM and WM patients involves use of antibody mediated immunotherapy (serotherapy) and radioimmunotherapy. As part of our efforts to develop serotherapy for PCD, we have sought to target tumor selective antigens on MM and WM malignant cells. These efforts have focused on Muc-1 core protein, a tumor selective antigen found on most MM plasma cells, and CD20, a B- cell specific antigen found on the plasma cells of most WM patients (75-100 percent), and certain MM patients (20 percent). In addition, we have identified clinically useful inducers for these antigens which have potential use as adjunct agents far serotherapy of PCD. As part of these studies, we will be conducting a Phase II clinical trial examining the efficacy of the anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody (mAb) Rituxan in WM. In view of our previous in vivo data which showed that IFN-gamma is a potent inducer of CD20 on MM plasma cells and augmented Rituxan binding to these cells, a clinical trial will also be initiated that will examine the combined use of IFN-gamma and Rituxan in patients with MM. Important corollary studies will also be performed as part of these trials which will examine CD20 expression pre- and post Rituxan therapy, and post-IFN-gamma therapy for the IFN-gamma/ Rituxan study in MM; presence of tumor defensive antigens (CD46, CD55, CD59, FasL, Muc-1, TRAIL) which may lead to serotherapy resistance; and enhancement of immune effector mechanisms by IFN-gamma. Pre-clinical studies will also be undertaken using the 90Yttrium conjugated anti-CD20 mAb Zevilan, and an 131Iodine conjugated anti-Muc-1 core protein mAb (VU-4H5) so as to determine the feasibility of using radioimmunotherapy for bone marrow centered diseases like MM and WM. In an effort to develop effective unconjugated serotherapy for MM and WM, we will also generate humanized mAbs to Muc-1 core protein. These mAbs will be examined for binding selectivity to MM and WM plasma cells, ability to block ICAM-1/Muc-1 binding, as well as the ability to enact complement dependent and antibody dependent cell mediated cytotoxicity. Analogous to our work with Muc-1, we will also attempt to identify other PCD selective targets by generating and examining mAbs specific to the plasma cell glycoform of CD138.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Type
Mentored Patient-Oriented Research Career Development Award (K23)
Project #
5K23CA087977-02
Application #
6378116
Study Section
Subcommittee G - Education (NCI)
Project Start
2000-09-01
Project End
2005-08-31
Budget Start
2001-09-12
Budget End
2002-08-31
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
2001
Total Cost
$126,711
Indirect Cost
Name
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Department
Type
DUNS #
149617367
City
Boston
State
MA
Country
United States
Zip Code
02215
Treon, Steven P; Soumerai, Jacob D; Hunter, Zachary R et al. (2011) Long-term follow-up of symptomatic patients with lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma/Waldenström macroglobulinemia treated with the anti-CD52 monoclonal antibody alemtuzumab. Blood 118:276-81
Treon, Steven P; Yang, Guang; Hanzis, Christine et al. (2011) Attainment of complete/very good partial response following rituximab-based therapy is an important determinant to progression-free survival, and is impacted by polymorphisms in FCGR3A in Waldenstrom macroglobulinaemia. Br J Haematol 154:223-8
Treon, Steven P; Ioakimidis, Leukothea; Soumerai, Jacob D et al. (2009) Primary therapy of Waldenström macroglobulinemia with bortezomib, dexamethasone, and rituximab: WMCTG clinical trial 05-180. J Clin Oncol 27:3830-5
Treon, Steven P; Soumerai, Jacob D; Branagan, Andrew R et al. (2009) Lenalidomide and rituximab in Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia. Clin Cancer Res 15:355-60
Treon, Steven P; Branagan, Andrew R; Ioakimidis, Leukothea et al. (2009) Long-term outcomes to fludarabine and rituximab in Waldenström macroglobulinemia. Blood 113:3673-8
Ho, Allen W; Hatjiharissi, Evdoxia; Ciccarelli, Bryan T et al. (2008) CD27-CD70 interactions in the pathogenesis of Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia. Blood 112:4683-9
Treon, Steven P; Soumerai, Jacob D; Branagan, Andrew R et al. (2008) Thalidomide and rituximab in Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia. Blood 112:4452-7
Hatjiharissi, Evdoxia; Xu, Lian; Santos, Daniel Ditzel et al. (2007) Increased natural killer cell expression of CD16, augmented binding and ADCC activity to rituximab among individuals expressing the Fc{gamma}RIIIa-158 V/V and V/F polymorphism. Blood 110:2561-4
Treon, Steven P; Hatjiharissi, Evdoxia; Leleu, Xavier et al. (2007) Novel agents in the treatment of Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia. Clin Lymphoma Myeloma 7 Suppl 5:S199-206
Treon, Steven P; Hunter, Zachary R; Matous, Jeffrey et al. (2007) Multicenter clinical trial of bortezomib in relapsed/refractory Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia: results of WMCTG Trial 03-248. Clin Cancer Res 13:3320-5

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