DNA vaccine with pembrolizumab to elicit antitumor responses in patients with metastatic, castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC).

Abstract

168 Background: We have previously investigated a DNA vaccine encoding prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP, pTVG-HP) in patients with PSA-recurrent prostate cancer, and have demonstrated that this can be safely administered over many months and can elicit PAP-specific T cells. A phase 2 trial is currently underway. In preclinical models, we have found that blockade of regulatory receptors, including PD-1, at the time of T cell activation with vaccination produced anti-tumor responses in vivo. Similarly, we have recently found that patients with prostate cancer previously immunized with a DNA vaccine develop PD-1-regulated T cells. These findings suggested that combined PD-1 blockade with vaccination should elicit superior anti-tumor responses in patients with prostate cancer. Methods: A clinical trial was designed to evaluate the immunological and clinical efficacy of pTVG-HP when delivered in combination or in sequence with pembrolizumab, in patients with mCRPC. Serial biopsies, blood draws, and exploratory FLT PET/CT imaging are being conducted for correlative analyses. Results: While trial accrual continues, 1 of 14 subjects has experienced a grade 3 adverse event. There have been no grade 4 events. Several patients treated with the combination have experienced serum PSA declines, and several have experienced decreases in tumor volume by radiographic imaging at 12 weeks, including one partial response. Expansion of PAP-specific Th1-biased T cells has been detected in peripheral blood samples. Exploratory FLT PET/CT imaging has demonstrated proliferative responses in metastatic lesions and in vaccine-draining lymph nodes. Evaluation of biopsy specimens for recruitment of antigen-specific T cells is currently underway. Conclusions: PD-1 pathway inhibitors have demonstrated little clinical activity to date when used as single agents for treating prostate cancer. Our findings suggest that combining this blockade with tumor-targeted T-cell activation by a DNA vaccine is safe and can augment tumor-specific T cells, detectable within the peripheral blood and by imaging, and result in objective anti-tumor changes. Clinical trial information: NCT02499835.