Dr. Lichty Combines Cancer Embattling Viruses in A Clinical Trial
As previously reported, Associate professor Brian Lichty has jointly developed an innovative cancer treatment together with Dr. David Stojdl and John Bell of the University of Ottawa [...]
As previously reported, Associate professor Brian Lichty has jointly developed an innovative cancer treatment together with Dr. David Stojdl and John Bell of the University of Ottawa. The newly launched clinical trial is the first of its kind combining two viruses, with the potential to deliver improved outcomes and reduced side effects compared to traditional cancer treatments, such as chemotherpy.
Dr. Lichty began investigating virus-based cancer therapies nearly 15 years ago, when working alongside Drs. Bell and Stojdl at The Ottawa Hospital. Although the benefit of harnessing viruses in cancer treatment has been discussed for more than a century, therapeutic options have only recently been developed and systematically tested.
The therapy combines the ability of an Adenovirus (AdMA3) to stimulate the immune system to recognize cancer cells, with the killing capability of a Maraba virus (MG1MA3). The Maraba virus replicates within many different types of cancer cells, and also prevents the cancer coming back. Dr. Lichty and collaborators engineered both viruses to stimulate an immune response against cancer cells expressing melanoma antigen family (MAGE)-A3.
The investigators have previously demonstrated the unprecedented tumour fighting capabilities of the Brazilian sandfly-derived MG1MA3 virus in experimental models. The newly launched clinical trial is funded by the Ontario Institute for Cancer Research, and aims to enrol up to 79 patients at four different hospitals across Canada, including the Juravinski Hospital in Hamilton.
While the current trial is aimed at investigating the benefit to lung cancer, the team plans to launch a suite of biological therapies and trials tailored to many different types of tumours.
McMaster Immunology Research Centre, ResearchRelated News
News Listing
Two Faculty of Health Sciences cancer researchers awarded Canada Research Chairs
Dept. Biochem, Dept. Surgery, Feature, Research
7 days ago
Elena Verdu appointed director of Farncombe Family Digestive Health Research Institute
Faculty & Staff, Research
7 days ago