Title:DNA Vaccines for Prostate Cancer
Volume: 8
Issue: 4
Author(s): Douglas G. McNeel, Jordan T. Becker, Laura E. Johnson and Brian M. Olson
Affiliation:
Keywords:
DNA vaccines, prostate cancer, tumor antigens, clinical trials
Abstract: Delivery of plasmid DNA encoding an antigen of interest has been demonstrated to be an effective means of
immunization, capable of eliciting antigen-specific T cells. Plasmid DNA vaccines offer advantages over other anti-tumor
vaccine approaches in terms of simplicity, manufacturing, and possibly safety. The primary disadvantage is their poor
transfection efficiency and subsequent lower immunogenicity relative to other genetic vaccine approaches. However, multiple
preclinical models demonstrate anti-tumor efficacy, and many efforts are underway to improve the immunogenicity
and anti-tumor effect of these vaccines. Clinical trials using DNA vaccines as treatments for prostate cancer have begun,
and to date have demonstrated safety and immunological effect. This review will focus on DNA vaccines as a specific
means of antigen delivery, advantages and disadvantages of this type of immunization, previous experience in preclinical
models and human trials specifically conducted for the treatment of prostate cancer, and future directions for the application
of DNA vaccines to prostate cancer immunotherapy.
