Prospect of rindopepimut in the treatment of glioblastoma

INTRODUCTION: Rindopepimut (CDX-110) is a peptide vaccine that targets epidermal growth factor receptor variant III (EGFRvIII), a tumor-specific epitope expressed in the most common and lethal primary malignant neoplasm of the brain - glioblastoma (GBM). Areas covered: The EGFRvIII mutation introduces an 801 base pair in-frame deletion of the extracellular domain of the transmembrane tyrosine kinase, resulting in constitutive kinase activity, amplification of cell growth, and inhibition of apoptosis. Rindopepimut contains a 14mer amino acid peptide spanning the EGFRvIII mutation site that is conjugated to keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH). The EGFRvIII neoantigen is exclusively present on GBM cells, providing rindopepimut tumor-specific activity. The authors review rindopepimut's clinical efficacy, administration, safety, and prospects in the treatment of GBM. Expert opinion: Rindopepimut showed clinical benefit and significant efficacy in phase II clinical trials, including as part of a multi-immunotherapy approach. A phase III clinical trial was terminated early, however, as it was deemed likely the study would fail to meet its primary endpoint. Longer term and sub-group analyses will be necessary to better understand rindopepimut's future role in GBM therapy.