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news.Oncos Therapeutics, a biotech company developing new cancer therapeutics based on the oncolytic viruses, has published initial results from its advanced therapy access program in cancer research.
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The results demonstrated anti-tumor immunity of oncolytic viruses and indicated strong efficacy of the viruses against solid tumor cancers. Untill now 200 patients have been treated with oncolytic virus therapy in the company’s Advanced Therapy Access Program.
The Cancer Research article reports safety and efficacy results in patients with advanced cancer progressing after available chemotherapy options. Out of the 15 radiologically evaluable patients 2 had complete responses (13%), 5 patients had stable disease (33%) and 1 had a partial response (6%). Therefore, the clinical benefit rate was 47% according to the Recist criteria. Responses were frequently seen in both injected and non-injected tumors.
Akseli Hemminki, research professor, CSO and co-founder of Oncos Therapeutics, said: “This is the first time it has been shown in humans that oncolytic viruses can be used for induction of anti-tumor immunity. The GMCSF –armed oncolytic adenovirus can mediate anti-tumor immunologic responses by recruiting natural killer cells and by induction of tumor-specific cytotoxic T-cells.”
Pekka Simula, CEO and co-founder of Oncos Therapeutics, said: “Anti-tumor immunity plays a major role in the efficacy results. We are starting clinical trials with CGTG-102, which is further improved compared to the virus described in this publication.”