interferon-alpha-Endocyte-renal cell carcinoma

interferon-alpha-Endocyte-renal cell carcinoma refers to a specific combination immunotherapy regimen developed by Endocyte for the treatment of metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC). This therapeutic approach, known as folate-hapten immunotherapy, utilizes interferon-alpha and interleukin-2 as low-dose cytokine adjuvants to enhance a targeted immune response. The regimen begins with a priming phase where patients are vaccinated with EC90 (a KLH-FITC conjugate) and the saponin-based adjuvant GPI-0100 to induce high titers of anti-fluorescein (anti-FITC) antibodies. Subsequently, EC17 (a folate-FITC conjugate) is administered, which selectively binds to folate receptors overexpressed on renal cell carcinoma cells, effectively labeling the tumor with FITC haptens. The pre-induced anti-FITC antibodies then recognize the labeled tumor cells and recruit immune effector cells. Interferon-alpha is included in the protocol to stimulate immune cell activity and increase the immunogenicity of the tumor microenvironment, supporting the antibody-directed destruction of the cancer cells. This combination was evaluated in Phase II clinical trials but development was discontinued following shifts in the company's strategic focus.

Brand names

FolateImmune

Other names

EC17 combination therapyEC-17 combination therapyEC 17 combination therapyfolate-hapten immunotherapyEC17 + EC90 + GPI-0100 + interleukin-2 + interferon-alpha