Replies to post #54886 on Biotech Values

[DrBengtP]

Docetaxel before/after Provenge: Is there any synergy?

Docetaxel was approved in May 2004, which is almost 3 years after the last patient was randomized in D9901 (which happened 08 OCT 2001). Thus, the only proven effective treatment became available very late in the study. As for the suggested synergy between Provenge and Docetaxel, isn't it then just so that the very long median survival time for provenge+docetaxel is due to those 2-3 months extra survival that docetaxel gives added ON TOP OF an already long survival time (you have to be a long term survivor in order to get docetaxel)? Consequently, there may not be any synergy whatsoever?

Do we know anything about the use of docetaxel in D9902A?


Thanks!
B.

[rancherho]

BSR_David:

>>For active immunos like Provenge that provide a lasting immune response, chemo after may also be effective not because of effects on the T-cell system but because they might pop open cells that release the target antigen and spur a "revitalization" of the immune system response. <<

I recently happened to view the following videa webcast: Modulating Autoimmunity and Tumor Immunity
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Pamela Sumiko Ohashi, Ph.D., University of Toronto
at: http://videocast.nih.gov/PastEvents.asp?c=28

The presenter detailed a series of experiments to determine what happens to antigens released by cells that undergo apoptosis.The conclusion was that T cells are tolerized to the antigens rather than activated and thereafter may be rapidly deleted in the lymph system.

I suggest that Mitch does more homework.