Oxford BioMedica reports that Cancer Research UK has agreed to conduct and sponsor an open label Phase II trial with TroVax, in colorectal cancer patients who have liver metastases.
The decision by Cancer Research UK follows extensive review of the successful Phase I/II data of TroVax in colorectal cancer patients.
This study is in addition to the two ongoing Phase II trials with TroVax in colorectal cancer alongside chemotherapy, and the planned trials in renal and breast cancer.
The patient population in the Cancer Research UK Phase II trial will comprise 20 Stage IV colorectal cancer patients who are to undergo surgery for resectable liver metastases.
Patients will receive injections of TroVax followed by surgery approximately two weeks later.
Biopsies of the tumour will be taken at surgery and analysed for TroVax stimulated immune activity.
Further vaccinations will be given after surgery.
Patients' management will then continue as standard, usually including adjuvant chemotherapy.
Patients will be followed after the final vaccination to assess immune responses and toxicity and then monitored over the longer term for clinical benefit.
Commenting on the announcement, Oxford BioMedica's chief executive, professor Alan Kingsman said, "Cancer Research UK is one of the world's leading cancer research organisations and is committed to the development of better cancer treatments for patients.
"Their involvement in this project provides further validation of Oxford BioMedica's advanced cancer immunotherapeutic"
