TNFerade's suppression of cancer metastases: Mechanisms revealed

GenVec, Inc. (Nasdaq: GNVC) announced the publication of new preclinical research revealing mechanisms by which TNFerade(TM) suppresses cancer metastases through activation of the immune system.

This preclinical study, "Ad.Egr-TNF and Local Ionizing Radiation Suppress Metastases by Interferon-Beta-Dependent Activation of Antigen-specific CD8+ T Cells," authored by investigators from the University of Chicago and Harvard Medical School, appears in the recent issue of Molecular Therapy. The results illustrate that local treatment of an animal tumor with TNFerade suppresses metastases to lymph nodes by activating CD8+ T cells. Activation of these anti-tumor cells is mediated by Interferon-Beta, a known potent immune regulator.

"Although enhanced local control of cancer can contribute to improvements in patient survival, any suppression of metastases is an important aspect of cancer treatment. These exciting preclinical data may help explain the encouraging results being seen with TNFerade in the clinic," noted Mark Thornton, M.D., M.P.H., Ph.D., GenVec's Senior Vice President of Product Development.

SOURCE GenVec, Inc.