A new clinical trial for patients with Stage III colorectal cancer is being introduced at the BC Cancer Agency's Vancouver Centre, and six other locations across Canada.

The study is designed to determine if an investigational vaccine is effective in preventing the metastasis of colorectal cancer. Current cancer patients who qualify for the trial will be given chemotherapy and the vaccine.

The hope of the vaccine is that it will increase the immune system's ability to respond to a recurrence of cancer. The vaccine is under development, and uses a viral vector system derived from the canarypox virus. It is engineered to target the carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), a protein which is overexpressed on the surface of most colorectal cancer cells.

"It's like having an alarm system in your house; it's a warning that a person is in your house before they reach your bedroom," explains Dr. Caroline Lohrisch, BC Cancer Agency medical oncologist, and principal investigator for the B.C. portion of the study. "The endpoint of this trial is to see whether the immune system 'wakes up' to the presence of cancer cells."

In this Phase I trial, 15 to 20 patients at the Vancouver Centre (a total of 60 across Canada) will be randomized into two groups. Registration for the trial must take place before starting chemotherapy. The vaccine is given either during the chemotherapy or after the chemotherapy has been completed, to determine which time schedule generates the best immune response. Newly diagnosed patients who have had surgery for stage III colon cancer may join the trial if they have not yet started their planned chemotherapy.

In order to qualify for the study, colorectal cancer patients must be receiving treatment at the BC Cancer Agency's Vancouver Centre, and meet certain criteria.The BC Cancer Agency, a part of the Provincial Health Services Authority, is committed to reducing the incidence of cancer, reducing the mortality from cancer, and improving the quality of life of those living with cancer. It provides a comprehensive cancer control program for the people of British Columbia by working with community partners to deliver a range of oncology services, including prevention, early detection, diagnosis and treatment, research, education, supportive care, rehabilitation and palliative care. The BC Cancer Research Centre conducts research into the causes and cures for cancer.

For more information, please contact:
Nicole Adams
Public Relations Officer
BC Cancer Agency
(604) 877-6272