People With Melanoma Gain Access to New Vaccine Treatment

Lehigh Valley Topper Cancer Institute has always been at the forefront of cancer innovation particularly through its clinical trials collaboration through the Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK) Cancer Alliance. The latest trial to come to the region is a Phase 2 study of a combination melanoma vaccine that’s giving hope to people with stage 3/4 cancer.

“This is really exciting. We’re going to have a new option to offer patients, which brings even more hope and continues our journey of getting better results and fewer side effects,” says Suresh Nair, MD, Physician in Chief, Lehigh Valley Topper Cancer Institute.

The study is examining a combination vaccine against two immunosuppressive signals seen in cancer, especially in melanoma. The peptide vaccine, IO102/ IO103, is given in combination with a fixed dose of the FDA-approved immunotherapy drug nivolumabrelatlimab, administered by infusion.

“There’s a strong interest in this compound,” Dr. Nair explains. “The initial trial in Europe showed an 80 percent objective response – which is about double the usual – and it was given with an immunotherapy drug. So this will be the first American testing of this promising Danish vaccine.”

The trial, in collaboration with MSK, will enroll 43 people who have untreated, unresectable stage 3/4 melanoma, over a period of 18 months. The vaccine will be given every other week for the first six doses and then every fourth week up to 15 doses. 

Lehigh Valley Topper Cancer Institute is optimal for the “intricate study,” according to Dr. Nair, who describes the 20-person clinical trial team as “very specialized,” and includes registered nurses, regulatory coordinators, lab coordinators and a pharmacist specialist.

“Lehigh Valley Health Network’s mission is to heal, comfort and care for our community by providing advanced and compassionate health care. Bringing this trial to the Lehigh Valley gives patients that care,” says clinical research coordinator Hue Nice. “Having patients travel to major cities is such a huge burden. We can relieve that just by having them treated here.”

The trial demonstrates Lehigh Valley Topper Cancer Institute’s continued commitment to leading-edge cancer care following the launch of the stem cell transplant therapy and cellular therapy programs.

“This is another part of the portfolio – bringing an exciting and promising vaccine treatment in addition to standard immunotherapy – to hopefully cure more patients and have less complications,” says Dr. Nair, adding that competence in vaccine trials will help Lehigh Valley Topper Cancer Institute secure more vaccine studies, particularly precise mRNA vaccine trials that are just beginning.

“We’d like to be part of this revolution of personalized immunotherapy,” Dr. Nair says.