NY-ESO-1 Plasmid DNA (pPJV7611) Cancer Vaccine

To evaluate the safety of NY-ESO-1 Plasmid DNA (pPJV7611) Cancer Vaccine given by particle-mediated epidermal delivery (PMED) in patients with tumor types known to express NY-ESO-1 or LAGE-1.

NY-ESO-1 Plasmid DNA (pPJV7611) Cancer Vaccine was administered by particle-mediated epidermal delivery (PMED) at a pressure of 500 psi using the XR-1 Powderject® delivery device. The 4 microgram dosage of NY-ESO-1 was administered as 4 X 1 microgram PMEDs in close proximity. Similarly, the 8 microgram dosage was administered as 8 X 1 microgram PMEDs. The third cohort of patients received the 8 microgram dosage as a cluster dosage of 4 doses (day 1, 3, 5, 8) as 2 X 1 microgram PMEDs per day. Blood samples were to be obtained at baseline, 2 weeks after each vaccination, prior to the second and third vaccination, and 4 weeks after the third vaccination for the assessment of clinical hematology, biochemistry measurements and immunology responses. Patients were to be evaluated for toxicity throughout the study. Delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) testing was to be performed at baseline and at the 2-week visit following the first and third vaccinations. NY-ESO-1 and/or LAGE-1 specific antibodies were to be assessed in all patients by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). NY-ESO-1 specific CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells were to be assessed in all patients by tetramer and/or ELISPOT assays. Disease status was to be assessed at baseline and 4 weeks after the third vaccination in patients with measurable disease.