Development of a Novel Immunotherapeutic Herpes Simplex Virus for MPNST
Abstract
Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNST) are the most common cause of death in patients with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). Current therapies, including radiation therapies and chemotherapies, are not effective for NF1 patients with MPNST, and when used often result in numerous side effects. We are seeking to develop a potent and much safer anticancer therapy. We are studying the use of viruses to treat MPNST. Herpes viruses, including the recently Food and Drug Administration-approved T-VEC, which is derived from the cold sore virus, can specifically target and kill cancer cells. In addition, there is tremendous evidence showing that viruses can induce or increase an immune response against cancer cells, leading to a long-lasting immunity that prevents the recurrence of cancer. Viruses themselves are unlikely to cure all cancers, because cancer cells often grow faster than a virus can spread, and cancer cells can develop different ways to inhibit anticancer immunity. We aim to use a novel herpes virus variant to determine whether counteracting the immune suppression commonly found in different types of cancers can improve the therapeutic outcome in mouse models of MPNST. We expect to collect sufficient data and determine the effects of our novel herpes virus variant within 2 years. If promising, the results will directly translate into future clinical trials as a novel therapy for MPNST patients.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Oct 29, 2018
- Source ID
- W81XWH1810324
Entities
People
- Chun-yu Chen
Organizations
- United States Army