In addition, consults can be arranged with UK Chandler Medical Center plastic surgeons for cases where extensive tissue reconstruction is necessary. It is designed to prevent the disease from recurring, a common problem with many forms of cancer. We've created an antibody that mimics a tumor antigen that will create an immune response against this antigen. The vaccine, a simple injection, is safe and relatively non-toxic, Foon said. Swelling at the injection site is the only side effect reported by patients.
Monthly injections continue indefinitely.
The vaccine is administered every other week for a total of four injections, then monthly for three months. The IL-2 is given daily for three months. After that, the vaccine continues indefinitely without the IL-2. The patient's immune system doesn't recognize GD2 as foreign, and therefore is unable to develop an immunity to GD2. The vaccine serves as a substitute for GD2 by mimicking the shape of GD2.