Oncolytic virus injection brings T cells into glioblastoma and prolongs survival
A single injection of a genetically modified herpes simplex oncolytic virus triggered durable T cell infiltration into brain tumors and was linked to longer survival in a 41-patient phase 1 trial, researchers report in Cell.
- The therapy uses a herpes simplex virus engineered to replicate only in glioblastoma cells and to stimulate an immune response.
- In a phase 1 trial of 41 patients with recurrent glioblastoma, the treatment extended survival compared with historical reports, with stronger effects in patients who had pre-existing viral antibodies.
- Analysis published in Cell showed persistent infiltration and activation of cytotoxic T cells deep inside treated tumors after one injection.
- Closer proximity of cytotoxic T cells to dying tumor cells was associated with longer patient survival.
- Authors disclosed patents and industry ties related to the virus and reported NIH and other grant funding for the research.