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Paramyxoviruses for Tumor-targeted Immunomodulation: Design and Evaluation Ex Vivo
Published on: January 7, 2019
Oncolytic viruses in melanoma
Camille Robinson1, Maria M Xu2, Smita K Nair2
1School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
Abstract:
Malignant melanoma recurrence remains heterogeneous in presentation, ranging from locoregional disease (i.e., local recurrence, satellites, in transit disease) to distant dermal and visceral metastases. This diverse spectrum of disease requires a personalized approach to management and has resulted in the development of both local (e.g., surgery, radiation, intralesional injection) and systemic (intravenous or oral) treatment strategies. Intralesional agents such as oncolytic viruses may also evoke local immune stimulation to induce and enhance the antitumor immune response. Further, it is hypothesized that these oncolytic viruses may convert immunologically "cold" tumors to more reactive "hot" tumor microenvironments and thereby overcome anti-PD-1 therapy resistance. Currently, talimogene laherparepvec (T-VEC), a modified herpes virus, is FDA-approved in this population, with many other oncolytic viruses under investigation in both preclinical and trial settings. Herein, we detail the scientific rationale, current landscape, and future directions of oncolytic viruses in melanoma.
Insights
Malignant melanoma recurrence is diverse, requiring personalized treatment. Oncolytic viruses show promise in stimulating immune responses against tumors and overcoming resistance to therapies like anti-PD-1 treatments.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunology
- Virology
Background:
- Malignant melanoma recurrence presents heterogeneously, from local disease to distant metastases.
- Diverse presentations necessitate personalized management strategies, including local and systemic therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the scientific rationale, current applications, and future potential of oncolytic viruses in melanoma treatment.
- To investigate the hypothesis that oncolytic viruses can convert "cold" tumors to "hot" tumor microenvironments, enhancing anti-PD-1 therapy efficacy.
Main Methods:
- Review of scientific literature on oncolytic viruses for melanoma.
- Analysis of current clinical landscape and ongoing investigations.
- Discussion of preclinical and clinical trial data.
Main Results:
- Oncolytic viruses can induce local immune stimulation and enhance antitumor immune responses.
- Talimogene laherparepvec (T-VEC) is an FDA-approved oncolytic virus for melanoma.
- Numerous other oncolytic viruses are under investigation.
Conclusions:
- Oncolytic viruses represent a promising therapeutic strategy for melanoma.
- They have the potential to overcome resistance to existing therapies like anti-PD-1 inhibitors.
- Further research and clinical trials are essential to fully realize their potential in melanoma management.
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