Individualized neoantigen peptide immunization of a metastatic pancreatic cancer patient: a case report of combined tumor and liquid biopsy

Roehnisch T, Martos-Contreras MC, Manoochehri M, Nogueira M, Bremm F, Dörrie J, Christoph J, Kunz M, Schönharting W (2024)

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2024

Journal

Frontiers in Immunology Frontiers Research Foundation / Frontiers Media

Book Volume: 15

Article Number: 1414737

DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1414737

Abstract

This report details a case of pancreatic cancer with liver metastasis that exhibited a positive immune response to personalized immunization therapy. Our study involved the identification of neoantigens and their corresponding immunogenic peptides using an in-house bioinformatic pipeline. This process included the identification of somatic mutations through DNA/RNA sequencing of solid tumor tissue and blood liquid biopsy. Computational prediction techniques were then employed to identify novel epitopes, followed by the design and manufacture of patient-specific immunization peptides. In combination with standard-of-care chemotherapy, the patient received a sequence of 5 biweekly prime injections followed by 2 boost injections 2 and 5 months later. The peptides were emulsified in Montanide and the injection-site was conditioned with nivolumab and imiquimod. The combined regimen of peptide immunization and chemotherapy resulted in a notable decline in CA19-9 tumor marker levels following both prime and boost applications. Subsequent MRI assessments revealed a reduction in the size of liver metastases several months post-immunization initiation. Importantly, the patient showed and improved overall survival and reported an improved quality of life without experiencing significant treatment-related adverse effects. This case underscores the potential benefits of personalized peptide-based immunization as an adjunctive therapy in the treatment of advanced pancreatic cancer, showcasing promising outcomes in tumor marker reduction, tumor shrinkage, and enhanced patient well-being.

Authors with CRIS profile

Franziska Bremm Department of Dermatology Jan Dörrie Department of Dermatology Jan Christoph Lehrstuhl für Medizinische Informatik

Involved external institutions

Interdisziplinäres Onkologisches Zentrum München DE Germany (DE) Precision Medicine and Cancer Research (PMCR GmbH) DE Germany (DE)

How to cite

APA:

Roehnisch, T., Martos-Contreras, M.C., Manoochehri, M., Nogueira, M., Bremm, F., Dörrie, J.,... Schönharting, W. (2024). Individualized neoantigen peptide immunization of a metastatic pancreatic cancer patient: a case report of combined tumor and liquid biopsy. Frontiers in Immunology, 15. https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2024.1414737

MLA:

Roehnisch, Tim, et al. "Individualized neoantigen peptide immunization of a metastatic pancreatic cancer patient: a case report of combined tumor and liquid biopsy." Frontiers in Immunology 15 (2024).

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