HybriCell
| Vaccine description | |
|---|---|
| Target | melanoma, renal cancer |
| Vaccine type | Conjugate |
| Clinical data | |
| Trade names | HybriCell |
| Identifiers | |
| ChemSpider |
|
HybriCell is a therapeutic vaccine developed by Brazilian immunologist Jose Alexandre Barbuto. The treatment, which inhibits the division of cancer cells, is aimed at patients in later stages of kidney cancer or melanoma. The vaccine works by extracting certain leukocytes from the patient's blood and merging them with cancer cells, enabling the body to recognize and attack other similar cancer cells.[unreliable medical source?][1] In studies conducted in 2001 and 2003, 80% of test subjects showed improvement without harmful side effects.[unreliable medical source?][2] Though test groups were relatively small, the results of the studies show evidence that the drug is effective.[unreliable medical source?][3]
Procedure[edit]
To create the vaccine, blood is drawn from the patient and monocytes specific to the patient are separated from the blood via apheresis. Dendritic cells are then derived by adding cytokines to the extracted monocytes. The dendritic cells are then fused with tumor cells through electrofusion, creating a "hybrid cell" of tumor and dendritic cells.[unreliable medical source?][3] These hybrid cells are then injected back into the patient. The hybrid cells are recognized by the body's immune system and these cells and cells like it are marked for destruction. The tumor cells, which were previously unrecognized by the body's immune system are subsequently attacked.[unreliable medical source?][4] The entire procedure takes up to 30 days to complete.[unreliable medical source?][5][6]
Each vaccine is specific to that patient. Though not a preventative measure, the vaccine's creator, Dr. Barbuto, predicted that the vaccine would be even more effective in patients in earlier stages of cancer. The vaccine is administered in conjunction with other cancer-preventative measures such as chemotherapy.[unreliable medical source?][2]
Clinical trials[edit]
As of 2005[update], two studies[clarification needed] have been conducted on this drug and its effects on renal cancer and melanoma. From March 2001 until March 2003, a study involving 35 people was done involving 13 melanoma and 22 renal carcinoma patients.[unreliable medical source?][2] In 2004, another study was done involving another 35 people. Over time, more patients were added to the study and it the test group eventually grew to beyond 100 participants. Overall, it was found that 80% of patients in these studies showed improvement without any side effects.[unreliable medical source?][3][5] Many of these patient's life expectancies were extended by as much as four times their original life expectancy.[unreliable medical source?][7][unreliable medical source?][8]
References[edit]
- ^ [unreliable medical source?] "HybriCell - Vacina Contra o Cancer" (in Portuguese). Florida Brasil. 2005-08-08. Retrieved 2012-03-02.
- ^ a b c [unreliable medical source?] "Brazilian Scientist creates one of the first commercially available vaccine against cancer in the world". Genoa Biotechnologia. Archived from the original on 2012-12-31. Retrieved 2012-01-02.
- ^ a b c [unreliable medical source?] Brambilla A (2005-05-09). "Brazilian Doctor Unveils Cancer Vaccine". OhMy News. Archived from the original on 2008-03-20. Retrieved 2012-03-02.
- ^ Wheatley J (2005-09-21). "A system in need of treatment". Financial Times. Retrieved 2012-03-02.
- ^ a b [unreliable medical source?] "Brazil develops skin and kidney anti-cancer vaccine". Brazilian Digital Channel. 2011-06-21. Archived from the original on 2012-02-26. Retrieved 2012-03-02.
- ^ Goldman B, DeFrancesco L (February 2009). "The cancer vaccine roller coaster". Nature Biotechnology. 27 (2): 129–139. doi:10.1038/nbt0209-129. PMID 19204689. S2CID 26991235.[permanent dead link]
- ^ [unreliable medical source?] "Brazilian scientist creates a vaccine against melanoma and renal cancer". i-Newswire. 2005-07-08. Archived from the original on 2013-01-26. Retrieved 2012-03-02.
- ^ [unreliable medical source?] "Brazilian immunologist reports success with hybrid vaccine". Dermatology Times. 2005-08-02. Archived from the original on 2012-07-12. Retrieved 2012-03-02.