Heat Shock Antigen Cancer Vaccine

The immune system - the body's natural defense against disease - is made up of a several types of specialized cells. These cells recognize structures, called antigens, that are found on disease-causing agents. Antigens trigger an immune response that results in the proliferation of immune system cells and the eventual removal of the harmful antigen from the body. The goal of immune therapies for cancer is to alert white blood cells to attack cancer cells.

What is Heat Shock Antigen Vaccine?

ITL's heat shock antigen vaccine (HSAV) is an investigational personalized vaccine designed to treat the immune systems of people with cancer while minimizing side effects. HSAV treatment is intended to target only cancerous cells, potentially improving clinical response and prolonging survival without serious adverse effects or disruption of quality of life.

How does HSAV work?

Based on proprietary technology, the HSAC is designed to capture the particular cancer's 'fingerprint.' This fingerprint contains unique antigens (substances that can provoke an immune response) that are present only on that particular patient's specific cancer cells. Injection of the vaccine is intended to reprogram the patient's immune system to recognize and attack any cells bearing the specific cancer fingerprint.

How is HSAV made?

The HSAV is made from individual patients' tumors and heat shock proteins produced by the patients' own white blood cells. Patients have surgery to remove part or all of the cancerous tissue, and a portion of this tissue and a blood sample are shipped to ITL's laboratory in Freeport Bahamas.

Using a proprietary process, heat shock proteins from the white blood cells are purified and combined with purified antigens from the tumor. The combination is then sterilely filtered and placed into vials. The final product is subject to extensive quality-control testing, including sterility testing of each lot.

In what kind of cancers is HSAV being tested?

HSAV is currently being tested in patients with malignant melanoma, prostate cancer, renal cell carcinoma, colon cancer, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and pancreatic cancer.