Virus-chemo combo fells advanced ca in early trials

Oncolytics Biotech announced positive results from its phase I-II trial of Reolysin, which combines a naturally occurring reovirus with platinum-based chemotherapy agents. The research was shared at the 2009 International Meeting on Replicating Oncolytic Virus Therapeutics, in Banff, Alberta, Canada.

In the trial, 15 head and neck cancer patients were treated. All but one patient had prior platinum treatment. Of 12 patients evaluable for clinical response, five experienced partial responses and four have experienced stable disease, ranging from two to six months. For patients who have been followed for at least six months since their initial treatment, the median progression-free survival is currently six months, while the overall survival is currently seven months.

Oncolytics also also announced positive clinical results from a UK-based trial of Reolysin and docetaxel (Taxotere) for patients with advanced cancers.