A new cancer vaccine developed right here in Seattle is saving the lives of men with advanced prostate cancer.

The drug is called Provenge and it's so effective, it's drawing international attention.

Cancer vaccines have been in the making for years. Provenge is the first that could win FDA approval to treat men with prostate cancer.

"In this first trial, what we're seeing is we are able to prolong survival approximately four-and-a-half months after meeting," said Martin Simonetti with drug manufacturer Dendreon. "This is the first time ever that a cancer vaccine has shown immediate survival benefit."

The vaccine works by using the patient's own blood -- a rare type of white blood cell called dendritic cells that are harvested in a lab.

The cells are then combined with a bioengineered protein found on prostate cancer cells. The patient's blood is incubated with the protein, creating the vaccine.

Provenge is given to the patient less than two days after the blood donation. Once in the body, the vaccine teaches the immune system to find and destroy prostate tumor cells. Think of it as a bloodhound on the scent of a fugitive.

The results? Provenge tripled the survival rate in patients.

If the second trial, which is under way, proves to be just as successful as the first, Dendreon will try and win FDA's approval next year. The company hopes to have Provenge on the market in 2007.

For More Information:

Provenge -- www.dendreon.com