Combining antiangiogenic cancer therapy with oncolytic virotherapy leads to regression of tumors

Apr 8 2010

Oncolytics Biotech Inc. ("Oncolytics") (TSX:ONC, NASDAQ:ONCY) announced today that a paper entitled "Antiangiogenic cancer therapy combined with oncolytic virotherapy leads to regression of established tumors in mice," co-senior authored by Dr. Richard Vile of the Department of Immunology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA, and Dr. Kevin Harrington of the Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK, was published in the online version of the Journal of Clinical Investigation on April 1, 2010.

The research demonstrated that combining VEGF(165) inhibitors such as Avastin or Sunitinib with systemic delivery of REOLYSIN(R) leads to substantial regression and cure of established tumors in immunocompetent mice. This approach led to direct tumor cell lysis (break down) and triggered innate immune-mediated attack on the tumor vasculature. It also resulted in long-term antitumor effects, even against tumors in which viral replication was poorly supported. The authors concluded that because this combinatorial approach targets the tumor endothelium, these data have direct, wide-ranging, and immediate clinical applicability across a broad range of tumor types using reagents that are already approved for use in patients.

"This work expands our fundamental understanding of how drug combinations are optimizing the systemic delivery of REOLYSIN in tumor tissue," said Dr. Matt Coffey, COO of Oncolytics. "Importantly, it is the first demonstration of REOLYSIN synergizing the activity of VEGF inhibitors, which are emerging as a potent weapon in the arsenal against cancer. These findings will help guide future decisions regarding additional indications we can target with this agent."