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Telomerase-specific virotheranostics for human head and neck cancer

Yuji Kurihara1, Yuichi Watanabe, Hideki Onimatsu

  • 1Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, School of Dentistry, Showa University, Tokyo, Japan.

Clinical Cancer Research : an Official Journal of the American Association for Cancer Research
|March 26, 2009
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Telomerase-specific oncolytic viruses show promise for treating head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (SCCHN). Intratumoral injection of OBP-301 led to tumor shrinkage and enabled oral ingestion, demonstrating potential for SCCHN theranostics.

Area of Science:

  • Oncolytic virotherapy
  • Molecular oncology
  • Head and neck cancer research

Background:

  • Squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) has poor long-term outcomes despite multimodal treatments.
  • SCCHN's locoregional spread and accessibility make it a target for intratumoral biological therapies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the antitumor effects and diagnostic potential of telomerase-specific oncolytic viruses for SCCHN.
  • To assess OBP-301 and OBP-401 in preclinical models of SCCHN.

Main Methods:

  • OBP-301 (type 5 adenovirus) and OBP-401 (with GFP) were used.
  • Antitumor effects were assessed in vitro and in vivo using an orthotopic xenograft model.
  • Virus spread and lymphatic trafficking were evaluated using OBP-401.

Main Results:

  • Intratumoral OBP-301 injection caused SCCHN tumor shrinkage and improved oral intake in mice.
  • Green fluorescent protein (GFP) expression from OBP-401 may predict therapeutic response.
  • OBP-401 visualized metastatic lymph nodes, indicating viral trafficking and selective replication in neoplastic lesions.

Conclusions:

  • Telomerase-specific oncolytic viruses offer a novel theranostic approach for human SCCHN.
  • This strategy combines therapeutic and diagnostic capabilities for head and neck cancer.

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