Mannan Mucin-1 Peptide Immunization: Influence of Cyclophosphamide and the Route of Injection

Abstract

The mucin MUC1 is greatly increased in breast cancer and is a potential target for immunotherapy. In mice, MUC1 conjugated to oxidized mannan (MUC1-mannan fusion protein [M-FP]) targets the mannose receptor and induces a high frequency of cytotoxic T lymphocytes and anti-tumor responses. On this basis, three phase I trials were performed in patients with adenocarcinoma to evaluate the tnxicity and the immunologic responses to mannan MUC1. Forty-one patients with metastatic or locally advanced carcinoma of the breast (trial 1), colon (trial 2), and various adenocarcinomas (trial 3) received increasing doses of M-FP (1 to 300 μg). The immunizations were given at weekly intervals (weeks 1 to 3)..