Randomized Phase 2 Trial of the Oncolytic Virus Pelareorep (Reolysin) in Upfront Treatment of Metastatic Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma

Mol Ther. 2016 Jun;24(6):1150-1158. doi: 10.1038/mt.2016.66. Epub 2016 Apr 4.

Abstract

Pelareorep causes oncolysis in tumor cells with activated Ras. We hypothesized that pelareorep would have efficacy and immunomodulatory activity in metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma (MPA) when combined with carboplatin and paclitaxel. A randomized phase 2 study (NCT01280058) was conducted in treatment-naive patients with MPA randomized to two treatment arms: paclitaxel/carboplatin + pelareorep (Arm A, n = 36 evaluable patients) versus paclitaxel/carboplatin (Arm B, n = 37 evaluable patients). There was no difference in progression-free survival (PFS) between the arms (Arm A PFS = 4.9 months, Arm B PFS = 5.2 months, P = 0.6), and Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene (KRAS) status did not impact outcome. Quality-adjusted Time without Symptoms or Toxicity analysis revealed that the majority of PFS time was without toxicity or progression (4.3 months). Patient immunophenotype appeared important, as soluble immune biomarkers were associated with treatment outcome (fractalkine, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, regulated on activation, normal T cell expressed and secreted (RANTES), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)). Increased circulating T and natural killer (NK)-cell subsets were also significantly associated with treatment outcome. Addition of pelareorep was associated with higher levels of 14 proinflammatory plasma cytokines/chemokines and cells with an immunosuppressive phenotype (Tregs, cytotoxic T lymphocyte associated protein 4 (CTLA4)(+) T cells). Overall, pelareorep was safe but does not improve PFS when administered with carboplatin/paclitaxel, regardless of KRAS mutational status. Immunologic studies suggest that chemotherapy backbone improves immune reconstitution and that targeting remaining immunosuppressive mediators may improve oncolytic virotherapy.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial, Phase II
  • Comparative Study
  • Multicenter Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Carboplatin / administration & dosage*
  • Carboplatin / therapeutic use
  • Disease-Free Survival
  • Drug Administration Schedule
  • Female
  • Genetic Vectors / administration & dosage*
  • Genetic Vectors / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mammalian orthoreovirus 3 / genetics
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasm Metastasis
  • Oncolytic Virotherapy / methods*
  • Oncolytic Viruses / genetics
  • Paclitaxel / administration & dosage*
  • Paclitaxel / therapeutic use
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / immunology
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Survival Analysis
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Carboplatin
  • Paclitaxel