Canine Parvovirus-based Immunotherapy in Breast Cancer Patients, as Coadjuvant Treatment to Surgery Management: 9 Years Survival Following

Abstract

Background: Breast Cancer continues to be a major oncological problem. Despite the several advances in medical science focusing on controlling this condition and avoiding relapse, is inevitable. The relapse rates with conventional treatment (surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy) continue to be high. Contributory treatment alternatives have emerged such as immunotherapy using an oncological virus which, in vitro, has proven effective with adequate security rates and with no relevant adverse side effects. Canine parvovirus (CPV), has shown a favorable security profile, induction of strong cytotoxic response, and oncosuppressing effects. Methods: A clinical immunotherapeutic trial with the biological vaccine CIMT-54, approved by the Ethical Committee at the Manuela Beltrán University, on February 22nd 2007. We enrolled eight breast cancer patients who underwent surgery with their treating oncologic group, declined chemotherapy and radiotherapy, and started immunotherapy, with clinical and laboratory follow up for 9 years to the present. Statement of Significance: Cancer continues to be a therapeutic challenge, despite reports on treatment that appear in the medical research literature. Breast cancer patients, have high rates of morbidity and mortality. The use of immunotherapy in cancer has grown in relevance during the last 20 years. Specifically, the use of a human parvovirus has facilitated the construction of a treatment profile with minimal negative side effects, being the only DNA virus with no tumorigenic members, so that it has cytopathic effects on abnormal cells and oncosupressing properties.