Researchers found that a vaccine called BiovaxID delayed the return of a type of B-cell lymphoma, called follicular lymphoma, by about 14 months for patients whose lymphoma was in remission (the temporary or permanent absence of disease) after treatment with prednisone (multiple brand names), doxorubicin (Adriamycin), cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan, Clafen, Neosar), and etoposide (VePesid, Toposar) - a combination called PACE. The BiovaxID vaccine is made for each patient using proteins that are found on the person's lymphoma cells. It is made from the cells collected during removal of the lymph nodes (tiny, bean-shaped organs that help fight infection). These cells are then processed to create antibodies, which are substances made by the body to help fight infection. These antibodies are designed to kill the patient's own lymphoma cells and are returned to the patient in the form of a vaccine.

What this means for patients

“With this vaccine, we can teach a patient's immune system to recognize and fight follicular lymphoma and increase the time it takes for the lymphoma to return,” said lead author Stephen Schuster, MD, Associate Professor at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. More research on this vaccine is needed to learn if it could be used to treat patients in remission after treatment with rituximab (Rituxan) or for patients with other types of B-cell lymphomas.

What to Ask Your Doctor

• What type of lymphoma do I have?
• What are my treatment options?
• What clinical trials are open to me?
• What are the risks and benefits of each treatment option?

For More Information

Cancer.Net Guide to Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma [1]

Understanding Cancer Vaccines [2]

Facts About Personalized Cancer Medicine [3]