Can the Polio Virus Stop Deadly Brain Tumors?

The virus is delivered via a catheter directly into the tumor by a method known as convection-enhanced delivery.  This clinical project fills a significant unmet need for children with high-risk brain tumors.

PVSRIPO for Recurrent Malignant Glioma in Children

Project Title: Phase I study of an oncolytic polio/rhinovirus recombinant (PVS-RIPO) against recurrent pediatric high-grade glioma (HGG)
Researcher: David Ashley, PhD; Eric Thompson, MD
Institution: Duke University Medical Center
Study Type: Phase 1 Clinical Trial
Status: Ongoing

Like a vaccine, an oncolytic virus works by killing tumor cells and initiating a secondary immune response against the cancer. The PVS-RIPO poliovirus was developed at Duke after discovering that numerous cancer cells produce the poliovirus receptor. Testing in adults with glioblastoma multiforme showed significant responses and researchers believe PVS-RIPO virotherapy may prove to be a turning point in the treatment for glioblastoma.

Unprecedented results in the adult phase I trial demonstrated promising potential for pediatrics and SKC encouraged the research team at Duke to initiate the first pediatric trial. The virus is delivered via a catheter directly into the tumor by a method known as convection-enhanced delivery.  This clinical project fills a significant unmet need for children with high-risk brain tumors.

To learn more about this clinical trial visit clinicaltrials.gov

Charity Partners: B+ Foundation