Oncolytic Virotherapy Development for Pediatric Cancers (Neuroblastoma)
Neuroblastoma (NB) is one of the most usual extracranial solid tumors in children. It is a classic example of tumors involved in developing tissues, being diagnosed during early childhood. It is derived from neural crest cells, and therefore uniquely expresses the norepinephrine transporter (NET) on its cellular membrane, allowing it a special cancer for the use of targeted therapies and tumor-selective imaging. Oncolytic viruses (OVs) have the promise of killing cancer cells with low toxicities to healthy tissues. OVs infection and selective replication inside tumor cells are based on modifications of the virus genome so as to target specific molecules or signal transduction pathways of cancer. Besides, cell death may also activate antitumor immune responses to further amplify the beneficial effects. Nowadays, there are several results from in vitro and in vivo experiments in which the oncolytic ability of different viruses has been measured in a number of NB cell lines and primary samples. With years of exploration in immunotherapy, Creative Biolabs has established a comprehensive OncoVirapy™ platform. We are capable of developing specific oncolytic virotherapy strategy for neuroblastoma, as well as providing OVs construction and validation services to customers all over the world.
Oncolytic Virotherapy for Neuroblastoma
Usually, the treatment of recurrent neuroblastoma is based on where the tumor recurred, the previous treatment, tumor biology and the possible gene mutations. Common treatment strategies for NB include chemotherapy, targeted delivery of radionuclides, retinoids, angiogenesis inhibitors, tyrosine kinase inhibitors, as well as aurora kinase inhibitors. The application of virotherapy against NB is an emerging field. There are a number of OVs having been attempted to treat NB, such as Adenoviruses, Herpesviruses, Newcastle Disease Virus, Parvovirus, Poliovirus, as well as Seneca Valley Virus. Take, for example, a type 2 herpes simplex virus (HSV) that selectively targets tumor cells with an activated Ras signaling pathway. This virus eliminates tumor cells through a direct cytolytic effect as well as by inducing syncytia formation and apoptosis. It not only kills NB cells but also leads to an essential anti-NB immune response which has been exhibited in the Neuro-2a model by intratumoral injection.
Based on our advanced OncoVirapy™ platform, Creative Biolabs are confident in providing novel OVs and developing more efficient oncolytic virotherapy strategies for our customers. Please contact us for more information and a detailed quote.