A trial of 26 patients found that a vaccine administered monthly to women led to a survival rate of almost 14 months for breast cancer and 15 months for ovarian cancer. The women, twelve of whom had breast cancer and 14 ovarian cancer, were pre-treated with chemotherapy and were then given the PANVAC vaccine. The vaccine generated immune responses against the cancer and led to a sustained benefit.
The most common side effect of the treatment was a mild reaction at the injection site but lead investigator, James Gulley of the Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology at the National Cancer Institute, concluded that more studies in ovarian and breast cancer patients are needed before the vaccine can be adequately assessed.
Abnormal, uncontrolled cell division resulting in a malignant tumour that may invade surrounding tissues or spread to distant parts of the body.
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The use of chemical substances to treat disease, particularly cancer.
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The basic unit of genetic material carried on chromosomes.
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relating to the ovaries
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polyarteritis nodosa
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