Robert S. Alter, MD, co-chief, Urologic Oncology, John Theurer Cancer Center, discusses the mechanism of action (MOA) and tolerability of the immunotherapy Provenge (sipuleucel-T) in men with asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer.

The product of the Provenge vaccine stimulates the immune system by activating t-cells to recognize prostate cancer cells. The vaccine is created from the patient’s own cells, which prevents it from being rejected by the body.

Provenge provides a well-tolerated active therapy. The response varies from patient-to-patient ranging from nominal to prolonged. A survival benefit for Provenge was derived from several controlled trials. The median survival benefit from the vaccine is 25.8 months, compared to 21.7 in control groups.