Rindopepimut: an evidence-based review of its therapeutic potential in the treatment of EGFRvIII-positive glioblastoma

dopepimut: an evidence-based review of its therapeutic potential in the treatment of EGFRvIII-positive glioblastoma Review (1317) Total Article Views Authors: Babu R, Adamson DC Published Date September 2012 Volume 2012:7 Pages 93 - 103 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2147/CE.S29001 Received: 15 June 2012 Accepted: 12 July 2012 Published: 14 September 2012 Ranjith Babu, D Cory Adamson Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA Abstract: Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common primary brain tumor in adults and is universally fatal. Despite surgical resection, radiotherapy, and systemic chemotherapy, the median overall survival is less than 15 months. As current therapies are not tumor-specific, treatment commonly results in toxicity. The epidermal growth factor receptor variant III (EGFRvIII) is a naturally occurring mutant of EGFR and is expressed on approximately 20% to 30% of GBMs. As it is not expressed on normal cells, it is an ideal therapeutic target. Rindopepimut is a peptide vaccine which elicits EGFRvIII-specific humoral and cellular immune responses. Phase I and II clinical trials have demonstrated significantly higher progression-free and overall survival times in vaccinated patients with EGFRvIII-expressing GBM tumors. Side effects are minimal and mainly consist of hypersensitivity reactions. Due to the efficacy and safety of rindopepimut, it is a promising therapy for patients with GBM. Currently, rindopepimut is undergoing clinical testing in an international Phase III trial for newly diagnosed GBM and a Phase II trial for relapsed GBM.