Pharmacodynamic Analysis
Serum was collected from patients at baseline, every 4 weeks, and after treatment to identify potential therapeutic targets, biomarkers, and response predictors. Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) was evaluated when clinically expressed. Serum analysis for cytokine production by peripheral blood mononuclear cells was performed using a Human Cytokine/Chemokine/Growth Factor panel consisting of 38 analytes (see the trial protocol in 