Modified herpes virus designed to kill glioblastoma and boost the immune system
Project 1: Treatment of GBM using an oncolytic HSV engineered to improve immunogenic tumor destruction
['FUNDING_P01'] · BRIGHAM AND WOMEN'S HOSPITAL · NIH-11181510
This project tests a genetically modified herpes simplex virus meant to infect and destroy glioblastoma tumors while awakening the immune system to fight the cancer in people with GBM.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_P01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | BRIGHAM AND WOMEN'S HOSPITAL (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BOSTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11181510 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This work uses an engineered oncolytic herpes simplex virus (oHSV) that can enter glioblastoma cells, cause tumor cell death, and promote immune recognition of tumor antigens. The team is improving an existing oHSV backbone (rQNestin34.5) that has been used in early human testing and shown intratumoral viral antigen presence. Experiments combine patient-derived tumor models and mouse models to overcome immune suppression in the tumor microenvironment driven by TIGIT, PD‑1, and adenosine-producing enzymes. Findings will guide how the virus might be given safely and effectively in future clinical trials for people with GBM.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be people diagnosed with glioblastoma, especially those with tumors accessible for intratumoral delivery or with recurrent disease that may be treated experimentally.
Not a fit: Patients with non‑GBM brain tumors, those who cannot undergo intratumoral injections, or those with severe immune suppression are unlikely to benefit from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could directly shrink tumors and help the immune system control or eliminate glioblastoma.
How similar studies have performed: Related oncolytic HSV approaches, including an earlier version of this virus, have shown safety and intratumoral viral activity in early human trials, but definitive clinical benefit in GBM has not yet been established.
Where this research is happening
BOSTON, UNITED STATES
- BRIGHAM AND WOMEN'S HOSPITAL — BOSTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: GLORIOSO, JOSEPH C — BRIGHAM AND WOMEN'S HOSPITAL
- Study coordinator: GLORIOSO, JOSEPH C
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.
Conditions: Brain Cancer