Scientists from the United States and Australia have carried out the first human test of a virus that promises to kill cancer cells, after successful tests in animals, with a reduction in colon, lung, ovarian and pancreas tumors.
Known as Vaxinia, the genetically modified organism can replicate and eliminate disorganized cells while preserving healthy ones, according to researchers at the biotechnology company Imugene and the City of Hope Cancer Research and Treatment Center in Los Angeles, United States. and
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The first test in a human being marks the beginning of phase 1 clinical studies that aim to develop treatment for colon, lung, breast, ovarian and pancreas cancer tumors. The researchers say the virus can control the immune system and increase the level of a protein called PD-L1 in tumors, which should make this therapy more effective.
“Our previous research has demonstrated that oncolytic viruses can stimulate the immune system to respond to and kill cancer, as well as stimulate the immune system to be more responsive to other immunotherapies, including checkpoint inhibitors,” said Daneng Li MD, head of research and assistant professor. from the Department of Medical Oncology and Therapeutic Research of Cidade da Esperança.
Tumors eliminated
Vaxinia, or CF33-hNIS VAXINIA, is a type of ‘oncolytic virus’ – a virus found in nature that has been genetically modified specifically to fight cancer.
Animal tests showed that Vaxinia was able to reduce the size of colon, lung, breast, ovarian and pancreas cancer tumors.
And the best thing is that, unlike other treatments, Vaxinia was able to stimulate the patient’s immune system and increase the level of a protein called PD-L1 in tumors, making immunotherapy more effective against cancer.
“Now is the time to further increase the power of immunotherapy, and we believe that CF33-hNIS has the potential to improve outcomes for our patients in their battle against cancer.”
Phase 1
The Phase 1 clinical trial is intended to enroll 100 cancer patients with metastatic, or advanced, solid tumors at approximately 10 sites in the United States and Australia.
This stage is expected to last approximately 24 months, or 2 years.
Patients will start by receiving a low dose of Vaxinia, either as an injection directly into the tumors, or intravenously.
Once Vaxine’s safety is demonstrated, some participants will also be given an immunotherapy drug called pembrolizumab, which improves the immune system’s ability to fight cancer cells.
“Interestingly, the same characteristics that eventually make cancer cells resistant to chemotherapy or radiation treatment actually increase the success of oncolytic viruses such as CF33-hNIS,” said Yuman Fong, director of surgical oncology at City of Hope and the main developer of the genetically modified virus.
The clinical trial used live coxsackievirus, one of many viruses that can cause the common cold, in combination with pembrolizumab.
The researchers say the combination reduced melanoma tumors in nearly half (47%) of 36 men and women who received the therapy within a few weeks for at least two years.
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