Adenovirus
a group of DNA-containing viruses that cause respiratory diseases, including one form of the common cold. Adenoviruses can also be genetically modified and used in gene therapy to treat genetic diseases, cancer and potentially other diseases.
Adjuvants
chemical or biological agents that modify the effect of other agents (e.g., drugs, vaccines) while having few if any direct effects when given by themselves.
Antibody
a protein produced by B lymphocytes in response to an antigen. Each antibody can bind only to a specific antigen. The purpose of this binding is to help destroy the antigen. Antibodies can work in several ways, depending on the nature of the antigen. Some antibodies disable antigens directly. Others make the antigen more vulnerable to destruction by white blood cells.
Antigen
any foreign or "non-self" substance that, when introduced into the body is recognized as foreign by antibodies and lymphocytes and elicits a specific immune response.
Biomarker
a biological molecule found in blood, other body fluids, or tissues that is a sign of a normal or abnormal process, or of a condition or disease. A biomarker may be used to select patients that respond to a given treatment, and/or to see how well the body responds to a treatment for a disease or condition.
Cytokine
proteins that are released by cells and have specific effects on other cells. Basically the same as hormones, but in practice this term is used for interleukins, lymphokines and related signalling molecules like TNF and interferons.
DNA
the substance of heredity; a linear molecule that carries the genetic information that cells need to replicate and to produce proteins. DNA is a double stranded molecule held together by weak bonds between base pairs of nucleotides.
Gene
sequence of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) which specifies the synthesis of a polypeptide or a functional ribonucleic acid (RNA) chain. It is therefore generally accepted that DNA houses genetic information as it is akin to a book or architectural plan of a living being which guides and dictates how cells are formed and organized from component parts, namely proteins, functional RNA and enzymes.
Gene expression
the process by which a gene's coded information is translated into the structures present and operating in the cell (either proteins or RNAs).
Interferon
a type of biological response modifier (a substance that can improve the body's natural response to disease). Interferons have a key role in the elimination of viruses; they can slow the rate of growth and division of some cancer cells.. There are several types of interferons, including interferon-alpha, -beta, and -gamma. The body normally produces these substances. They are also made in the laboratory to treat cancer and other diseases.
Interleukin
a naturally occurring protein used in biological therapy. Interleukins stimulate the growth and activities of certain kinds of white blood cells.
Interleukin-2
a type of biological response modifier (a substance that can improve the body's natural response to disease). This protein stimulates the growth of certain blood cells in the immune system that can fight cancer. Also called IL-2.
Lymphocytes
pertaining to white blood cells that are derived from stem cells of the lymphoid series that fight infection and disease. There are 2 main classes of lymphocytes, T cells and B cells.
Marker
a diagnostic indication that disease may develop.
Monoclonal antibodies
circulating proteins produced by B lymphocytes that all recognize the same region (epitope) on a specific antigen.
MUC1
a substance found on certain epithelial cells (cells that cover organs, glands, and other body surfaces) and on breast cells involved in making milk. It is also found on tumors of the breast, ovary, lung, and prostate. MUC-1 is a type of tumor marker.
MVA (Modified Vaccinia Ankara)
vaccinia viruses re-engineered to express foreign genes are robust vectors for production of recombinant proteins, the most common being a vaccine delivery system for the expression of antigens. MVA virus is widely considered as the vaccinia virus strain of choice for clinical investigation because of its high safety profile.
NK cells
are effector lymphocytes of the innate immune system that control several types of tumors and microbial infections by limiting their spread and subsequent tissue damage. Recent research highlights the fact that NK cells are also regulatory cells engaged in reciprocal interactions with dendritic cells, macrophages, T cells and endothelial cells. NK cells can thus limit or exacerbate immune responses.
Nucleotide
a molecule consisting of a nucleoside with one or more phosphate groups. Nucleotides are the "building blocks" of nucleic acids.
Overall Survival
time from start of therapy to death.
Phase I
a phase I clinical trial is a small-scale test of the safety of a new drug. Trial participants are usually healthy volunteers, except in oncology.
Phase II
the purpose of a phase II trial is to test the safety, dose response and sometime efficacy of a new drug on patients. Phase II trials typically involve a larger group of patients than phase I trials.
Phase III
phase III tests the drug's safety and efficacy in a controlled setting. Phase III trials typically involve hundreds or thousands of subjects, depending on the therapeutic target and the clinical indication.
Plasmid
autonomously replicating, extrachromosomal circular DNA molecules, distinct from the normal bacterial genome and non-essential for cell survival under non-selective conditions. Some plasmids are capable of integrating into the host genome. A number of artificially constructed plasmids are used as cloning vectors.
Protein
a large, complex molecule composed of amino acids. The sequence of the amino acids, and thus the function of the protein, is determined by the sequence of the base pairs in the gene that encodes it. Proteins are essential to the structure, function, and regulation of the body. Examples are peptide hormones, enzymes and antibodies.
Recombinant
in genetics, describes DNA, proteins, cells, or organisms that are made by combining genetic material from different sources. Recombinant substances are made in the laboratory and are studied in the treatment of cancer and for many other uses.
Response Rate
- Complete Response (CR) Disappearance of the evaluated lesion (s)
- Partial Response (PR) Shrinkage of the evaluated lesions by >50%
- Stable Disease (SD) Tumor shrinkage of <50% or tumor growth of <25% (i.e in cancer)
- Progressive Disease (PD) Tumor growth of <25% (i.e in cancer)
Time to Progression (TTP)
time from start of therapy to progression of the disease.
Vaccine vector
a vaccine vector is an attenuated or killed version of a virus or bacterium which carries an antigen (a protein which the body recognizes as foreign) from a pathogen into the body of the person being vaccinated. The vaccine vector diffuses an antigen in the body and stimulates the immune system to make it fight off an “inoffensive infection”. The immune system is “duped” into producing an immune reaction (antibodies and cells) against the antigen.
Glossary of terms includes definitions adapted from the National Cancer Institute Dictionary of Cancer Terms located at www.cancer.gov