Virus-based treatment to boost the immune response in glioblastoma
Oncolytic Virus Therapeutic Responses Occur from Changes in the Glioblastoma Immune Microenvironment
This work uses a weakened herpes virus injected into glioblastoma tumors to change the tumor's immune environment so patients' immune systems can better attack the cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brigham and Women's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11306680 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you join, doctors would inject a modified herpes simplex virus directly into your glioblastoma to try to reshape the tumor's immune environment and stimulate T cells. In an earlier first-in-human experience, some patients showed the virus persisting in tumors, large increases in CD8+ and CD4+ T cells with active signatures, and links between those immune changes and longer survival. The team also found that people who already had or developed antibodies to HSV-1 were more likely to clear viral antigen from tumors and had stronger T cell responses. The current work aims to understand how the virus affects antigen-presenting cells and anti-HSV1 memory T cells so future treatments can pick patients most likely to benefit.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with glioblastoma, particularly those with tumors that can be safely injected or who are eligible for surgical intervention, would be the most likely candidates.
Not a fit: Patients with cancers other than glioblastoma, tumors that cannot be accessed for injection, or those with severe immune suppression may not benefit from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could help trigger a stronger immune attack on glioblastoma and potentially improve survival for some patients.
How similar studies have performed: Early clinical work with oncolytic HSV in glioblastoma showed immune activation in tumors and correlations with longer survival in some patients, but immunotherapy for GBM has overall had limited success to date.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Brigham and Women's Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chiocca, E. Antonio — Brigham and Women's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Chiocca, E. Antonio
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.