BOSTON, Mass--Researchers at New England Deaconess Hospital are
seeking Hodgkin's disease patients for a federally funded phase
Ib/II trial of a humanized monoclonal antibody (MoAb) against
interleukin-2 receptor (Tac).
The rationale for the study stems from the observation that all
Reed-Sternberg cells are Tac-positive. The monoclonal antibody
under study is the humanized version of the murine anti-Tac antibody
that generated a 33% response rate (partial response plus complete
response) in 19 patients with ATL (adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma)
at the National Cancer Institute (see figure).
The new molecule is 92% human in origin, resulting in increased
effectiveness in cytotoxicity assays and reduced immunogenicity
during therapy (Queen et al: Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 86:10029,
1989; Junghans et al: Cancer Research 50:1495, 1990).
Eligibility requirements for the protocol (92-0205-34) include
measurable disease, failed first- and second-line treatments,
and PS 0-2. Patients must be able to remain in Boston for the
first study month of this outpatient trial. Treatment response
at 1 month is required to continue participation.
For more information, contact Richard P. Junghans, PhD, MD, at
New England Deaconess Hospital; telephone:
617-632-0943; fax: 617-632-0998.
