Correlation of anti-idiotype network with survival following anti-G(D2) monoclonal antibody 3F8 therapy of stage 4 neuroblastoma

Background. A transient human anti-mouse antibody response was associated w ith significantly longer survival [Cheung et al. (1998): j Clin Oncol 16:30 53] following antibody 3F8 (Abl) treatment. We postulate that the induction of an idiotype network which included anti-anti-idiotypic (Ab3) and anti-G (o2) (Ab3 ') responses is associated with tumor control. Procedure. Thirty- four patients with stage 4 neuroblastoma (NB) diagnosed at > 1 year of age were treated with anti-G,, monoclonal antibody 3F8 at the end of chemothera py. Results. Long-term progression-free survival and overall survival corre lated significantly with Ab3 ' andAb3, but not with non-idiotypic antibody responses. Only one of six individual specificities showed significant corr elations with patient survival. Conclusions. As in vitro correlates of idio type network initiated by Abl treatment, Ab3 and Ab3 ' may provide convenie nt biologic endpoints for monoclonal antibody therapy of advanced NE, and a rationale for choosing specific anti-idiotypic antibodies for vaccine deve lopment. Med. Pediatr. Oncol. 35:635-637, 2000. (C) 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.