TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a combination therapy for treatment of cancer using REIC/Dkk-3 gene and a checkpoint inhibitor.

BACKGROUND

REIC/Dkk-3 gene is known to be a gene relating to cell immortalization. It has been reported that the expression of this gene is suppressed in cancer cells. It has also been reported that the REIC/Dkk-3 gene has been used for cancer therapy (Patent Document 1).

A check point inhibitor such as anti-PD-1 (Programmed cell death 1) antibody, anti-PD-L1 (Programmed cell-death ligand 1), and the like are known to be useful for various malignant tumors.

CITATION LIST

Patent Literature

[PTL 1]

International Patent Publication WO01/038528

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

Technical Problem

An object of the present invention is to provide a method of treating cancer using a checkpoint inhibitor in combination with REIC/Dkk-3 gene.

Solution to Problem

The present inventors have examined the effect of the combination use of REIC/Dkk-3 and a checkpoint inhibitor for the treatment of cancers.

The present inventors found that the combination use of REIC/Dkk-3 and a checkpoint inhibitor enhances a systemic T cell response and anti-tumor responses. It indicates that the combination use of REIC/Dkk-3 and a checkpoint inhibitor is useful method for treating cancer.

Specifically, the present invention is as follows.

[1] A combination pharmaceutical kit for treating cancer comprising REIC/Dkk-3 in combination with a check point inhibitor.

[2] The combination pharmaceutical kit of [1], wherein the check point inhibitor is an anti-PD-1 antibody or anti-PD-L1 antibody.

[3] The combination pharmaceutical kit of [1], wherein an adenovirus vector comprising REIC/Dkk-3 gene is comprised.

[4] The combination pharmaceutical kit of [1], wherein the cancer is a prostate cancer.

[5] A method for treating cancer by administering REIC/Dkk-3 gene and a check point inhibitor to a cancer patient.

[6] The method for treating cancer of [5], wherein the check point inhibitor is an anti-PD-1 antibody or anti-PD-L1 antibody.

[7] The method for treating cancer of [5], wherein an adenovirus vector comprising REIC/Dkk-3 gene is administered.

[8] The method for treating cancer of [5], wherein the cancer is a prostate cancer.

[9] A method for combining REIC/Dkk-3 with a check point inhibitor to treat cancer.

[10] The method according to [9], wherein the check point inhibitor is an anti-PD-1 antibody or an anti-PD-L1 antibody.

[11] The method according to [9], wherein the check point inhibitor is an anti-PD-1 antibody.

[12] The method according to [9], wherein the check point inhibitor is an anti-PD-L1 antibody.

[13] Use of anti-PD-1 and anti-PD-L1 antibodies to manipulate the immune system such that cancer expresses PD-1 and PD-L1 on the cell surface making it susceptible to REIC/Dkk-3 gene (REIC/Dkk-3-induced anti-tumor immunity; CTLs induced by REIC/Dkk-3).

[14] A method for combining REIC/Dkk-3 with a check point inhibitor in the manufacture of a medicine to treat cancer.

[15] The method according to [14], wherein the check point inhibitor is an anti-PD-1 antibody or an anti-PD-L1 antibody.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

REIC/Dkk-3 gene and the checkpoint inhibitor have synergy effect in treating cancers.

