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Updated: Aug 30, 2026
Spontaneous Murine Model of Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer
Published on: February 3, 2023
ONYX-015 enhances radiation-induced death of human anaplastic thyroid carcinoma cells
Giuseppe Portella1, Roberto Pacelli, Silvana Libertini
1Dipartimento di Biologia e Patologia Cellulare e Molecolare, Università di Napoli Federico II, Naples, Italy. portella@unina.it
Abstract:
ONYX-015 is a genetically modified adenovirus with a deletion of the E1B early gene and therefore is designed to replicate preferentially in p53-mutated cells causing their death. We previously demonstrated that the ONYX-015 virus kills anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) cells and enhances the antineoplastic effects of doxorubicin and paclitaxel. Here we report that ONYX-015 increased the cytopathic effect of radiotherapy in three ATC cell lines. In fact, ONYX-015 and radiation induced a significant cytopathic effect on ATC cells. DNA fragmentation analysis showed that ATC ONYX-015-treated cells were very sensitive to radiation-induced apoptosis. In addition, low doses of ONYX-015 associated with a single radiation dose of 10 Gy delayed the growth of a xenograft tumor induced by ARO cells in athymic mice. Our results suggest that the combination of ONYX-015 and radiotherapy should be considered for experimental trials in patients with anaplastic thyroid carcinoma.
Insights
ONYX-015, a modified adenovirus, enhances radiotherapy's cancer-killing effects in anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) cells. Combining ONYX-015 with radiation shows promise for treating ATC tumors.
Area of Science:
- Oncolytic virotherapy
- Cancer biology
- Radiotherapy
Background:
- Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) is an aggressive thyroid cancer.
- ONYX-015 is a genetically modified adenovirus targeting p53-mutated cancer cells.
- Previous studies showed ONYX-015 efficacy against ATC cells and synergy with chemotherapy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of ONYX-015 in combination with radiotherapy for ATC.
- To assess the impact of ONYX-015 and radiation on ATC cell death and tumor growth.
Main Methods:
- Treatment of three ATC cell lines with ONYX-015 and/or radiation.
- Analysis of cytopathic effects and DNA fragmentation (apoptosis).
- In vivo study using athymic mice with ATC xenografts.
Main Results:
- ONYX-015 significantly enhanced the cytopathic effect of radiotherapy in ATC cell lines.
- Combined treatment induced significant ATC cell death and apoptosis.
- Low-dose ONYX-015 with radiation delayed tumor growth in a xenograft model.
Conclusions:
- ONYX-015 combined with radiotherapy demonstrates potent anti-tumor activity against ATC.
- This combination therapy warrants further investigation in clinical trials for anaplastic thyroid carcinoma.
