David M. Lubaroff, Ph.D.
Ph.D., Yale University, 1967 |
Professor of Urology and Microbiology; Associate Director, Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center Campus address: 3210 MERF Mailing address: 375 Newton Rd. 3210 Medical Education and Biomedical Research Facility Iowa City, IA 52242 Phone: 319-335-8423 Email: |
Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy
The work in this laboratory concentrates on the area of tumor immunology with an emphasis on immunotherapy. We have constructed microbial vaccines to be used for the investigation of gene and immunotherapy of prostate cancer. Investigations on the ability of immunized animals to produce immune responses to the transgene product induced by the vaccine are underway. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments are being carried out. The mechanisms of tumor rejection induced by the vaccines are being studied using methodologies to deplete specific cell populations, and by the use of transgenic mice. We are also investigating the ability of unmethylated CpG oligodinucleotides to augment the anti-tumor immune responses.
Additionally, we are carrying our "translational" research in the form of clinical trials of our adenovirus vaccine in men with prostate cancer. Important in these trials is the safety of the vaccine and its ability to induce anti-tumor immunity. We have recently completed a Phase I clinical trial of the vaccine that demonstrated its safety. We are evaluating the immunity induced by the vaccine using measures of antibodies, cytotoxic T lymphocytes, and number of antigen-specific T cells using both intracellular cytokine staining and ELISPOT analysis. A therapeutic Phase II trial was recently initiated.
Finally, we have been collaborating on studies of psychosocial effects on immune status in cancer patients.
Lubaroff Lab Home Page
Recent publications
Lamkin, D.M., S.K. Lutgendorf, S. McGinn, M. Dao, H. Maiseri, K. DeGeest, A.K. Sood, and D.M. Lubaroff. 2008. Positive psychosocial factors and NKT cells in ovarian cancer patients. Brain Behavior Immunity 22:65-73.
Karan, D., and D.M. Lubaroff. 2007. Paradoxical enhancement of CD8 T cell-dependent anti-tumor protection despite suppressed CD8 T cell responses with addition of a TLR9 agonist to a tumor vaccine. Int J Cancer 121:1520-1528.
Lubaroff, D.M., B. Konety, B.K.Link, T.L. Ratliff, and R.D. Williams. 2006. A Phase I study of an adenovirus/PSA vaccine in men with metastatic prostate cancer. Human Gene Therapy 17:220-229.