This is an open-label, randomized phase II, single institution study comparing
administration of a 4-peptide melanoma vaccine alone or post-Ontak, in patients with
metastatic melanoma.
Treatment:
1. Cohort A: Vaccine alone. Patients will receive immunization with an emulsion of 4
melanoma peptides (250 mcg each)/GM-CSF/Montanide injected
intradermally/subcutaneously on day 1. A second vaccination will be given 2 weeks
later and a third vaccination 2 weeks after that. Patients will be re-evaluated
around week 6 and can continue courses of 3 vaccinations (one every 2 weeks) until
disease progression.
2. Cohort B: Ontak plus vaccine. Patients will receive Ontak (18 mcg/kg) intravenously
on day -4 for one dose. On day 0, they will receive the first immunization with an
emulsion of 4 melanoma peptides (250 mcg each)/GM-CSF/Montanide injected
intradermally/subcutaneously. A second vaccination will be given 2 weeks later and a
third vaccination 2 weeks after that. Patients will be re-evaluated around week 6
and can continue courses of 3 vaccinations (one every 2 weeks) until disease
progression. However, no further Ontak will be given.
Duration: Patients may remain on study until disease progression, unacceptable toxicity,
patient choice to withdraw, or physician decision to discontinue therapy (due to
intervening illness, poor patient compliance, or other situation that would increase
patient risk).