Introduction: Genetic characterization of malignant mesothelioma shows a homozygous deletion of the INK4A/ARF locus, which results in inactivation of the p53 pathways.
Methods: We examined possible antitumor effects of adenoviruses with a deletion of the E1B-55kD gene (Ad-delE1B55) on mesothelioma and investigated combinatory actions with the first-line chemotherapeutic agents.
Results: Ad-delE1B55 produced cytotoxicity on mesothelioma cells, which was associated with p53 phosphorylation, pRb dephosphorylation, and cleavage of caspases. Ad-delE1B55-infected cells displayed hyperploidy at the cell-cycle analysis and showed enlarged nuclear configurations. Combination of Ad-delE1B55 plus cisplatin or pemetrexed produced antitumor effects in vitro. Furthermore, Ad-delE1B55 and cisplatin showed combinatory effects in an orthotopic animal model.
Conclusions: Cell death caused by Ad-delE1B55 is attributable to cell-cycle arrest at M-phase checkpoint followed by activated apoptotic pathways, and combination of the first-line chemotherapeutic agents and the oncolytic adenovirus is a potential therapeutic for mesothelioma.