Recent work by Kjersti Flatmark’s team in Oslo, Norway has shown some exciting developments in our understanding of the genetic mutations that can result in people who develop pseudomyxoma peritonei ( or PMP)¹. The GNAS gene controls the switch for cell survival and growth. Mutations in the GNAS gene result in a faulty switch that leads to uncontrolled production of mucin and may drive disease progression in those with PMP.
Prof Flatmarks’ team identified a mutation in the GNAS gene in 88% of patients with PMP that had treatment with CRS and HIPEC at their centre in Oslo. Patients with this specific GNAS gene mutation produced an identifiable cell surface protein that could be used as a target for the immune system to attack and stop tumour progression. By stimulating the immune system of patients with PMP and helping the body recognize tumour cells we may be able to stop tumour growth. This could be done by “vaccinating” patients who have PMP with the mutation in the GNAS gene to help their immune systems identify and destroy tumour cells.
A pilot study to test the safety of this approach is being planned in Oslo and may lead the way to trials in patients with recurrent PMP who have the GNAS gene mutation who are not suitable for surgery. This would be a form of immunotherapy and would be a significant step forward in our understanding and treatment of PMP.
Faheez Mohamed, MD, MBChB, FRCS
Peritoneal Malignancy Institute, Basingstoke
¹Flatmark K, Torgunrud A, Fleten KG, et al. Peptide vaccine targeting mutated GNAS: a potential novel treatment for pseudomyxoma peritonei. Journal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer 2021;9:e003109. doi: 10.1136/jitc-2021-003109
I think it’s excellent that you and your team are pioneering research into improved prognosis for PMP.
How long does it take for these trials to materialize and will Basingstoke also partake in trails for their patients?
I guess what I’m asking is how do we innovate faster so people don’t slip through the net and miss an opportunity for cure (if this works).
Thank you for posting this information here on this website Mr Mohamed.
I have just been informed of a recurrence and surgery is not possible, I do hope that this may help others who find themselves in this situation in the future.
Does anyone know if/when this might be available? The study seemed successful according to the papers, how do we make this available to patients with PMP? I’m in the UK and always worry about recurrence, I imagine I’m not alone.
After reading the paper shared by the great Mr Mohammed I feel a solution is ready but not yet clinically available.
I am researching T-Cell treatment abroad as well in case I need to travel.
It would be so good to know if this is available and if not why not?
Thanking you again so much, just need a little more tangible hope for us all.
Please could you tell me how someone could take in these trials? My husband has been diagnosed with PMP and is not suitable for surgery so we are looking for any ray of light possible to help him.
Thank you
Hi Amanda
Was your husband deemed unsuitable for surgery through scans or exploratory laparoscopy? If you don’t mind me asking have you got a second opinion?
I’ve tried to reach out to the Professor who published the research mentioned in this article but without reply. There are some organizations that specialise in immunotherapy based on genetic sequencing -have you spoken to any?