UCL Cancer Institute Seminar Series

In October 2015, the first oncolytic viral immunotherapy was approved for use in patients with loco-regionally advanced and metastatic melanoma (Andtbacka et al. J. Clin. Oncol. 2015; 33: 2780-8). This genetically-modified herpes simplex virus (talimogene laherparepvec, T-VEC) exerts a multifaceted anti-tumour effect, which includes direct lytic cytotoxicity and viral- and cytokine-mediated immunostimulation. A number of other viral therapeutics are in clinical development, including some that are in phase II/III trials. Experience with T-VEC and other viruses has shown that responses occur in the minority of patients, although they have the potential to be deep and durable. There is significant interest in combining oncolytic viral immunotherapies with other agents with a view to enhancing efficacy. We have assessed oncolytic virotherapy in the context of combinations with surgery, radiotherapy, cytotoxic chemotherapy (Roulstone et al. Gene Ther. 2013; 20: 521-8) and targeted agents (Roulstone et al. Mol. Ther. 2015; 23: 931-42). In addition, using a drug screen, we have uncovered a number of unexpected synthetically lethal interactions between oncolytic reovirus and targeted drug treatments. Specifically, interactions with PARP and cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors will be presented.

All welcome.

Hosted by: Professor Adele Fielding

The Seminar will be followed by a sandwich buffet lunch

Selected publications

• Andtbacka et al. Talimogene Laherparepvec Improves Durable Response Rate in Patients With Advanced Melanoma. J Clin Oncol. 2015 Sep 1;33(25):2780-8.
• Roulstone et al. Synergistic cytotoxicity of oncolytic reovirus in combination with cisplatin–paclitaxel doublet chemotherapy. Gene Ther. 2013; 20: 521-8
• Roulstone  et al. BRAF- and MEK-Targeted Small Molecule Inhibitors Exert Enhanced Antimelanoma Effects in Combination With Oncolytic Reovirus Through ER Stress. Mol Ther. 2015 May;23(5):931-42.

For more information, view http://www.icr.ac.uk/our-research/researchers-and-teams/professor-kevin-harrington

Location

UCL Cancer Institute
Paul O'Gorman Building
72 Huntley Street
London
WC1E 6DD

This seminar has been sponsored in part by Taconic Bioscience, Merck, the Biomedical Research Centre and Cancer Research UK.