In Vitro Functional Modulation of Monocyte-derived Dendritic Cells of Patients With Cancer by Peptides

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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The purpose of this study is to evaluate in vitro the potential of peptides, to modify, phenotypically and functionally, the monocyte-derived dendritic cells of patients with metastatic cancer.

Detailed Description
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The DCs will be generated in vitro from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) which will be obtained from 30 ml of peripheral blood collected from each patient with metastatic cancer by venipuncture in heparin tubes. The cellular viability, the expression of maturation biomarkers and the presence of several cytokines will be evaluated by flow cytometric assays after the culture period of DCs exposed to the peptides. An interim analysis is programmed with the first 10 patients. If an effect is demonstrated the study will include an additional number of subjects sufficient to ensure adequate comparison with other commercially available peptides.

Official Title
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In Vitro Functional Modulation of Monocyte-derived Dendritic Cells of Patients With Cancer by Peptides

Conditions
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Metastatic Cancer

Intervention / Treatment
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* Other: Blood sampling by vena punction.


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Signature of the Informed Consent Form before the performing of any procedures related to the study; Age ≥18 years; Histologically confirmed metastatic malignant neoplasia; Results of laboratorial exams in the first 6 weeks before the blood sample collection within the following values: White blood cells ≥ 3.000/μL; Platelet count ≥ 100,000/mm³; Hemoglobin > 10g/dL; Serum aspartate aminotransaminase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase < 2.5 x upper limit of normal (ULN); Serum creatinine < 1.5 x upper limit of normal (ULN); Karnofsky performance status ≥ 70%. Exclusion Criteria: Presence of autoimmune disorders or conditions that require systemic treatment with immunosuppressant medications or systemic corticosteroids; Received any systemic chemotherapy or radiotherapy within 15 days prior to the blood sample collection; Received any immunotherapy within 4 weeks prior to the blood sample collection; Known history of positive serology for HIV (human immunodeficiency virus).

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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No

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Patients with metastatic cancer<br>Blood sampling by vena punction. | Other: Blood sampling by vena punction.<br>* In vitro tests will be performed after blood sample collection from metastatic cancer patients<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Expression of cellular markers in the dendritic cells (DCs) after stimulation with the peptides. |  | At the seventh day of the cells culture period | 
| Viability of the dendritic cells (DCs) after stimulation with the peptides. |  | At the seventh day of the cells culture period | 
| Cytokines production by the dendritic cells (DCs) after stimulation with the peptides. |  | At the seventh day of the cells culture period | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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cancer, in vitro, peptides, dendritic cells