Chinese researchers have created a unique method of fighting cancerous tumors called ONCOTECH. The process involves oncolytic virotherapy which is either one virus or a collection of viruses that avoid normal cells but infect and break down cancer cells. This becomes a “one/two” punch because it simultaneously stimulates the patient’s immune system and targets those tumors.
ONCOTECH also involves T cell therapy to treat patients with cancerous tumors. The T cells are engineered to identify then attack the tumor cells.
An article about the study was recently published in MedicalXpress and you can find the full text in the Nature Biotechnology journal.
About the New Study
Both aforementioned techniques are included in the new study. ONCOTECH uses oncolytic viruses to bind to the surface of T cells. Engineered membranes containing T cell antigens and oncolytic adenoviruses (OAs) are part of the process.
In addition, the PD-L1 gene is encoded. It is overexpressed by tumor cells in an effort to prevent being attacked by the patient’s immune system.
The ONCOTECH approach includes transporting OAs to the site of the tumor where they are internalized by tumor cells. The OAs triggers oncolysis and the T cells generate cytotoxic effects that produce cytokines such as interferon or interleukin. These substances are secreted by cells within the immune system. They also affect other cells.
When both systems are combined, the result is improved antitumor immunity and tumor reduction. The ONCOTECH approach was tested by using mouse models with lung cancer, melanoma, glioblastoma and pancreatic cancer.
The research team found that they were able to prolong the survival of the test mice by using the ONCOTECH approach. It proved to inhibit the growth of tumors more effectively than using T cells or OAs individually.
The appropriate use of the ONCOTECH method of humanizing a PDX model of pancreatic cancer was also demonstrated by using patients’ organoids and CAR-T cells.
cancer research cancer treatment oncology treatment
Last modified: March 22, 2024
