Researchers at the Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania (Penn) are participating in a worldwide trial of a new phase of a cancer-specific antigen (a substance that stimulates the production of an antibody). The trial targets patients whose lung cancer has been removed, but are at increased risk of recurrence.

The purpose of the trial is to stimulate a patient’s own immune response after lung cancer surgery to identify and attack cancer cells in a highly specific manner. This novel cancer immunotherapy is developed using tumor-specific antigens delivered in a way that enhances anti-tumor activity. It is being tested with and without additional chemotherapy treatment.

During the trial, Penn researchers screen tumors for a specific protein that is found in some lung cancers. If the tumor is positive for the protein, the patient receives a series of vaccinations of the protein along with a drug that stimulates their immune system. The concept is to fight residual cancer cells in a patient’s body following surgery that will hopefully reduce the chance of recurrence.

Physicians at the Doylestown Hospital Cancer Center have direct access to this program through the hospital’s membership in the University of Pennsylvania Cancer Network. Penn established the Cancer Network in 1991 to bring the latest research, preventive and diagnostic treatment to the community.

For more information about cancer trials, go to www.dh.org.