Blocking TNF to boost virus-based cancer treatments
Impact of TNF on Oncolytic Virotherapy
Looks at whether blocking the immune signal TNF helps virus-based cancer treatments work better and cause fewer side effects for people with solid tumors.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of New Mexico Health Scis Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Albuquerque, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11171647 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project works with engineered cancer-killing viruses to understand why some tumors don't respond and why patients can get immune-related side effects. Researchers use a modified myxoma virus that delivers immune-stimulating molecules and observed high levels of the immune signal TNF during treatment in lab and animal tests. When TNF was genetically removed or blocked with antibodies, the viruses worked better and caused less toxicity, so the team will study the mechanisms behind that effect. The aim is to use those findings to guide safer, more effective virus-based treatments for people with solid tumors.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with solid tumors who might be eligible for oncolytic virus clinical trials, especially those whose cancers have not responded to standard treatments.
Not a fit: Patients without solid tumors (for example many blood cancers), those with active uncontrolled infections or certain immune disorders, or anyone not eligible for virus-based therapies may not benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could make oncolytic virotherapy more effective against solid tumors while reducing immune-related side effects.
How similar studies have performed: Oncolytic viruses have shown strong results in animal and laboratory studies but have been harder to translate to people, and combining TNF blockade with oncolytic therapy is a novel approach with limited prior clinical testing.
Where this research is happening
Albuquerque, United States
- University of New Mexico Health Scis Ctr — Albuquerque, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bartee, Eric Carter — University of New Mexico Health Scis Ctr
- Study coordinator: Bartee, Eric Carter
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.