TNFerade reduces melanoma metastasis in animal model

Based upon previous results from a phase I study in which three out of three advanced melanoma patients with solid tumors had complete responses to TNFerade plus radiation therapy, GenVec scientists developed a mouse model to test whether and how intratumoral injections of TNFerade could impact melanoma metastasis.

The study results showed that direct injection of TNFerade into melanoma tumors decreased tumor size and reduced lymphatic metastasis outside the treatment area. The findings were presented at the annual meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research in Washington.

“We believe these results provide further evidence of the potential to treat melanoma and limit its metastasis using TNFerade with radiation therapy,” said Dr Thomas Davis, chief medical officer of GenVec. “The findings are encouraging and support our rationale for testing TNFerade in this indication.”

GenVec is currently enrolling patients with advanced melanoma in a multi-center phase II clinical study.