PROVENGE®, activated peripheral blood derived-mononuclear cells for metastatic prostate cancer

PROVENGE® consists of autologous peripheral blood mononuclear cells, including antigen presenting cells (APCs), that have been activated during a defined culture period with a recombinant human protein, PAP-GM-CSF. PAP-GM-SCF consists of prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP), an antigen expressed in prostate cancer tissue, linked to granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF), an immune cell activator. The patient’s peripheral blood mononuclear cells are obtained via a standard leukapheresis procedure, approximately 3 days prior to the treatment date. Treatment induced an immunological (IgM and IgG) response against PAP-GM-CSF and against PAP antigen. The immunological reaction to GM-CSF was transient. Survival was higher in treated patients. No effect on time to disease progression was observed and the safety profile is acceptable.