OBJECTIVES:
* Determine the safety and immunization efficacy of the NY-ESO-1b peptide vaccine with resiquimod adjuvant in patients with completely resected stage II-IV melanoma.
* Collect, preliminarily, descriptive data on the impact of this regimen on time to melanoma relapse in these patients.
OUTLINE: This is a 3-step pilot, dose-escalation study of resiquimod.
* Step 1: Patients receive NY-ESO-1b peptide vaccine intradermally and topical resiquimod on day 1.
A cohort of 3-6 patients receives a maximal dose of resiquimod with NY-ESO-1b peptide vaccine.
* Step 2: Patients receive topical NY-ESO-1b peptide vaccine and topical resiquimod on day 1.
Cohorts of 3-6 patients receive escalating doses of resiquimod until the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) is determined. The MTD is defined as the dose preceding that at which 2 of 3 or 2 of 6 patients experience dose-limiting toxicity (DLT).
* Step 3: Patients receive topical NY-ESO-1b peptide vaccine and topical resiquimod at the step 2 dose as in step 2.
Cohorts of 3-6 patients receive resiquimod to increasing amounts of surface area until the MTD is determined. The MTD is defined as the dose preceding that at which 2 of 3 or 2 of 6 patients experience DLT.
Blood is drawn at baseline and periodically during study treatment and observation. Samples are analyzed by flow cytometry, monoclonal antibody staining, ELISPOT, and ELISA.
After completion of study treatment, patients are followed periodically for up to 5 years.
PROJECTED ACCRUAL: A total of 36 patients will be accrued for this study.
