ONYX-015 enhances radiation-induced death of human anaplastic thyroid carcinoma cells

J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2003 Oct;88(10):5027-32. doi: 10.1210/jc.2003-030385.

Abstract

ONYX-015 is a genetically modified adenovirus with a deletion of the E1B early gene and therefore is designed to replicate preferentially in p53-mutated cells causing their death. We previously demonstrated that the ONYX-015 virus kills anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) cells and enhances the antineoplastic effects of doxorubicin and paclitaxel. Here we report that ONYX-015 increased the cytopathic effect of radiotherapy in three ATC cell lines. In fact, ONYX-015 and radiation induced a significant cytopathic effect on ATC cells. DNA fragmentation analysis showed that ATC ONYX-015-treated cells were very sensitive to radiation-induced apoptosis. In addition, low doses of ONYX-015 associated with a single radiation dose of 10 Gy delayed the growth of a xenograft tumor induced by ARO cells in athymic mice. Our results suggest that the combination of ONYX-015 and radiotherapy should be considered for experimental trials in patients with anaplastic thyroid carcinoma.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adenoviridae / genetics
  • Adenoviridae / immunology
  • Animals
  • Carcinoma / radiotherapy*
  • Cell Death / radiation effects
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • DNA Fragmentation / radiation effects
  • Mice
  • Mice, Nude
  • Radiation Tolerance
  • Thyroid Neoplasms / radiotherapy*
  • Tumor Cells, Cultured / radiation effects
  • Viral Vaccines / pharmacology*
  • Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays

Substances

  • Viral Vaccines
  • dl1520