Oncolytic Viral Therapy Development for Pancreatic Cancer

Monoclonal antibodies and adoptive therapies have advanced pancreatic cancer (PC) treatment by modulating the immune response and activating the immune system, highlighting the promise of immunotherapy. However, challenges remain due to the tumor microenvironment's complexity and cancer cells' immune evasion capabilities. Oncolytic viral therapy, which uses viruses as anti-cancer agents, has emerged as a promising targeted approach. Leveraging viral biology, immunology, and genetic engineering, Alfa Cytology has developed specialized oncolytic therapy services for pancreatic cancer treatment.

Overview of Oncolytic Viral Therapy

Oncolytic viral therapy is a novel cancer treatment that uses natural or genetically modified viruses to destroy cancer cells and activate antitumor immune responses selectively. Specifically, the genetically modified viruses are designed to infect cancer cells and then replicate themselves until the host cancer cell lysis. The chemicals released by the ruptured cancer cells can make the cancer cells more easily recognized by the immune system. In addition, the released virus can infect more cancer cells, triggering a chain reaction and effectively acting as a follow-up treatment.

Fig. 1 A schematic figure of oncolytic viral therapy. (Haller, et al., 2020)

Types of Oncolytic Viruses for Pancreatic Cancer

Several oncolytic viruses have shown promise in the treatment of pancreatic cancer, including genetically modified herpes simplex virus (HSV), adenovirus, vaccinia virus, and reovirus. These viruses are engineered to enhance tumor selectivity, minimize toxicity to normal tissues, and stimulate anti-tumor immune responses.

• Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV): HSV has been engineered to selectively replicate in tumor cells by deleting genes required for replication in normal cells. HSV-1-based OVs such as T-VEC have demonstrated anti-tumor effects in pancreatic cancer models.
• Adenovirus: Adenoviruses are one of the most commonly used OVs. Modified adenoviruses have shown potential in selectively infecting and destroying pancreatic tumor cells while activating a robust immune response.
• Reovirus: Reovirus selectively replicates in cancer cells with an activated Ras pathway, a common mutation in pancreatic cancer. Clinical studies are exploring reovirus as a potential treatment for pancreatic cancer in combination with chemotherapy and immunotherapies.
• Vaccinia Virus: Vaccinia virus has been extensively studied for its safety and efficacy in targeting cancer cells. In pancreatic cancer, vaccinia viruses have shown promise in preclinical studies for direct tumor cell killing and immune activation.

Our Services

Alfa Cytology provides oncolytic viral therapy for pancreatic cancer, which is an innovative treatment that uses genetically modified viruses to selectively target and destroy cancer cells while sparing normal tissues. This approach also stimulates the immune system's response to cancer. For pancreatic cancer, a particularly aggressive and hard-to-treat disease, this therapy is being researched as a potential option. Current studies aim to optimize viral vectors, delivery methods, and tumor selectivity.

Why Choose Us?

Alfa Cytology is your trusted partner in the preclinical development of oncolytic viral therapies for pancreatic cancer. Our experienced team, cutting-edge laboratory facilities, and dedication to innovation ensure that your project will receive the expert support it needs to succeed. Contact us today to discuss how we can help bring your oncolytic viral therapy from concept to reality.

Reference

1. Haller, Scott D., Michael L. Monaco, and Karim Essani. "The Present Status of Immuno-Oncolytic Viruses in the Treatment of Pancreatic Cancer." Viruses 12.11 (2020): 1318.