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Work | Tumor Initiating Cells

Development Program for Neuroblastoma-specific Oncolytic Virus

Identification of the Optimal Virus Therapeutic for Neuroblastoma

The objective of this proof of concept study is to create a new oncolytic virus that specifically attacks neuroblastoma.  The first step will be to screen all available oncolytic viruses and evaluate them based on their ability to infect and selectively eradicate neuroblastoma cells.  The most viable viruses will be subjected to in vitro and in vivo testing to determine if their tumor-killing properties can be enhanced to make the virus more selective and potent against neuroblastoma.  This end-product will be evaluated in a Phase I Clinical Trial.

The program focuses on initial screening efforts using already available viruses, including Vaccinia, Rhabdovirus and Semliki Forest Virus backbones.  The samples will be tested on established neuroblastoma cell lines and tumor initiating cells (TICs) from the David Kaplan collection.