UPCI Melanoma Researchers Present Findings at Annual Meeting of American Society of Clinical Oncology

CHICAGO, June 5 – Researchers from the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute (UPCI) Melanoma Program, led by John M. Kirkwood, M.D., will present findings from seven studies at the American Society of Clinical Oncology annual meeting, June 4 to 8, at McCormick Place in Chicago.

Highlights of their findings include:

First Report of a Randomized Phase II Trial of a Multi-Epitope Vaccination with Melanoma Peptides for Cytotoxic T-cells and Helper T-cells in Patients with Advanced Melanoma

Sponsored by the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG)

This trial evaluated whether a novel vaccine comprised of a large number of components, including antigens, could boost the immune system of melanoma patients with advanced disease. According to study results, the tumor responses induced by the newly tested combinations of antigens did not yield improved clinical responses for patients, although there was a trend toward improved clinical tumor responses among those patients who had the best immune responses to the broader-spectrum vaccine. Melanoma/Skin Cancer Oral Abstract Session

#  #  #

About University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute (UPCI)

As the only NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center in western Pennsylvania, UPCI is a recognized leader in providing innovative cancer prevention, detection, diagnosis, and treatment; bio-medical research; compassionate patient care and support; and community-based outreach services. UPCI investigators are world-renowned for their work in clinical and basic cancer research.

http://www.upmc.com/mediarelations

CONTACT:    Courtney McCrimmon, McCrimmonCP@upmc.edu
PHONE:         (412) 715-8894
 
CONTACT:    Wendy Zellner, ZellnerWL@upmc.edu
PHONE:         (412) 586-9777

Tags: