Metastatic melanoma vaccines
Canadian Coordinating Office for Health Technology Assessment
Record ID 32006000178
English, French
Authors' objectives:
The aim of this study was to summarize the available information on the use of Allovectin-7 (manufactured by Vical), M-Vax (manufactured by AVAX Technologies), and Oncophage (manufactured by Antigenics) for the treatment of metastatic melanoma (stage III or IV)or recurrent metastatic disease.
Authors' recommendations:
Although treatable in its early stages, cure rates fall dramatically once melanoma has spread from its site of origin. Treatment strategies for metastatic melanoma are limited, especially for recurrent metastatic disease. In this case, treatment is associated with disappointing outcomes and unpleasant side effects that adversely affect patients' quality of life.
With the exception of high-dose interferon as adjuvant therapy in stage III disease, there have been no new treatment developments for metastatic melanoma over the last 20 years. Effective therapies are needed for this patient population.
Although vaccine therapies for metastatic melanoma have shown promise, there have been disappointments. For example, CancerVax Corporation has discontinued all development and manufacturing of its melanoma vaccine, Canvaxin, after the data safety monitoring board recommended discontinuation of two phase III trials because of a lack of survival benefit. Melacine, the first melanoma vaccine approved for use in Canada (January 2000), was delisted on September 23, 2005, when the manufacturer, Corixa Corporation, inactivated the drug identification number for Melacine postmarket.
Although Allovectin-7, M-Vax, and Oncophage have led to encouraging preliminary results, the evidence is limited, and results from phase III trials are required before these vaccines are considered as viable treatment options.
Authors' methods:
Overview
Details
Project Status:
Completed
URL for project:
https://www.ccohta.ca/
Year Published:
2006
English language abstract:
An English language summary is available
Publication Type:
Not Assigned
Country:
Canada
MeSH Terms
- Cancer Vaccines
- Melanoma
Contact
Organisation Name:
Canadian Coordinating Office for Health Technology Assessment
Contact Address:
600-865 Carling Avenue, Ottawa, ON K1S 5S8 Canada. Tel: +1 613 226 2553, Fax: +1 613 226 5392;
Contact Name:
requests@cadth.ca
Contact Email:
requests@cadth.ca
Copyright:
Canadian Coordinating Office for Health Technology Assessment (CCOHTA)
This is a bibliographic record of a published health technology assessment from a member of INAHTA or other HTA producer. No evaluation of the quality of this assessment has been made for the HTA database.