Oncolytic Virus Therapy for Pancreatic Cancer
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial explores a new treatment for pancreatic cancer using a virus called LOAd703 (also known as Delolimogene Mupadenorepvec), designed to attack and kill cancer cells. The goal is to determine if this virus can be safely used alongside standard cancer treatments to shrink tumors and improve survival. Patients with pancreatic cancer who have tumors accessible for injections and are not eligible for full surgical removal may qualify for this trial. Participants will receive regular care with added injections of LOAd703, and some will also receive atezolizumab, a drug that helps the immune system fight cancer. As a Phase 1 trial, this research focuses on understanding how the treatment works in people, offering participants the opportunity to be among the first to receive this innovative therapy.
Do I need to stop my current medications for this trial?
The trial protocol does not specify if you need to stop all current medications. However, you cannot take high-dose corticosteroids, certain immune inhibitors, biologic therapies, investigational agents, or systemic immunostimulatory agents close to or during the trial. Check with the trial team about your specific medications.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications, but certain treatments like high-dose corticosteroids, immune inhibitors, and investigational agents are not allowed close to the start of the study. It's best to discuss your specific medications with the trial team.
Is there any evidence suggesting that this trial's treatments are likely to be safe?
Research has shown that LOAd703, a special virus designed to attack cancer cells, has been generally safe in past studies. This virus targets and kills only cancer cells, sparing healthy ones. In these studies, researchers used LOAd703 with standard chemotherapy for patients with pancreatic cancer. The results indicated that it was well-tolerated, with most patients not experiencing severe side effects. Some patients might develop a fever shortly after the virus is injected, a common reaction as the body responds to the treatment.
When combined with another drug called atezolizumab, LOAd703 was also well-tolerated. Some patients even experienced a period where their cancer stopped growing. These findings suggest that the treatment is safe for further testing, but it remains experimental and is not yet approved by the FDA.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial's treatment?
Unlike the standard treatments for pancreatic cancer, which typically involve chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery, LOAd703 introduces a novel approach using oncolytic virus therapy. This treatment employs a virus engineered to selectively infect and kill cancer cells, while also boosting the body's immune response against the tumor. In one arm of the study, LOAd703 is combined with atezolizumab, an immune checkpoint inhibitor, to potentially enhance the immune system's ability to fight the cancer. Researchers are excited because this dual-action strategy could offer a more targeted and effective treatment option for pancreatic cancer, with the potential to improve outcomes compared to conventional therapies.
What evidence suggests that LOAd703 might be an effective treatment for pancreatic cancer?
Research has shown that LOAd703, a virus used to fight cancer, may help treat pancreatic cancer. In this trial, one group of participants will receive LOAd703 with chemotherapy, which studies have demonstrated to have significant cancer-fighting effects. Some patients experienced tumor shrinkage or had their cancer remain stable for extended periods. LOAd703 attacks cancer cells directly and enhances the immune system's ability to fight cancer. In another group, LOAd703 will be combined with the drug atezolizumab. This combination has been well-tolerated, and some patients have responded positively. While more research is needed, these early results offer promise for those considering this treatment.12367
Who Is on the Research Team?
Angelica Loskog, PhD
Principal Investigator
Lokon Pharma AB
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
Adults diagnosed with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, not eligible for surgery, can join this trial. They must be fit for standard chemotherapy and able to undergo sedation for injections. Women of childbearing age need a negative pregnancy test and must use contraception. Exclusions include pregnant or breastfeeding women, recent biologic therapy users, those with certain illnesses or high-dose steroid treatment, and individuals with other cancers within the last two years.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive standard of care treatment with gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel, and intratumoral injections of LOAd703 every other week for 6 doses, with an option for 6 additional doses if beneficial.
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment, with blood samples and imaging to evaluate tumor size and health status.
Extension
Participants may receive up to 6 additional doses of LOAd703 if they are benefiting from the treatment.
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- LOAd703
LOAd703 is already approved in United States for the following indications:
- None approved yet; received FDA Fast Track designation for pancreatic cancer
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Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Lokon Pharma AB
Lead Sponsor