Abscopal effect when combining oncolytic adenovirus and checkpoint inhibitor in a humanized NOG mouse model of...

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Oncology
• Virology

Background:

• Melanoma is an immunogenic tumor where oncolytic viruses are entering clinical practice.
• ONCOS-102, a transgene adenovirus, primes tumor-targeting immune cells in melanoma.
• Investigating strategies to enhance ONCOS-102 effectiveness is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the combination therapy of ONCOS-102 and pembrolizumab in a humanized mouse model.
• To determine if concurrent administration of ONCOS-102 and checkpoint inhibitors improves antitumor immune responses.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a humanized NOG mouse model for preclinical evaluation.
• Administered ONCOS-102 (oncolytic adenovirus) in combination with pembrolizumab (checkpoint inhibitor).
• Investigated a specific dosing schedule for concurrent initiation and continuation of CPI treatment.

Main Results:

• The combination therapy, initiated concurrently, induced an abscopal effect in untreated melanoma lesions.
• Concurrent administration of ONCOS-102 and checkpoint inhibitors showed potential for enhanced antitumor immune responses.
• The humanized NOG mouse model proved effective for studying this combination therapy.

Conclusions:

• Concurrent combination therapy with ONCOS-102 and checkpoint inhibitors, like pembrolizumab, may improve antitumor immune responses in melanoma.
• The observed abscopal effect suggests systemic immune activation.
• Further investigation into this combination strategy for melanoma treatment is warranted.