Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Aided SmartFlow Convection Delivery of DNX-2401: A Pilot, Prospective Case Series

World Neurosurg. 2024 Jan:181:e833-e840. doi: 10.1016/j.wneu.2023.10.142. Epub 2023 Nov 3.

Abstract

Background: The Combination Adenovirus + Pembrolizumab to Trigger Immune Virus Effects (CAPTIVE) study is a phase II clinical trial testing the efficacy of a recombinant adenovirus DNX-2401 combined with the immune checkpoint inhibitor pembrolizumab. Here, we report the first patients in this study who underwent viral delivery through real-time magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) stereotaxis-guided SmartFlow convection delivery of DNX-2401.

Methods: Patients who underwent real-time MRI-guided DNX-2401 delivery through the SmartFlow convection catheter were prospectively followed.

Results: Precise catheter placement was achieved in all patients treated, and no adverse events were noted. Average radial error from target was 0.9 mm. Average procedural time was 3 hours 16 minutes and was comparable to other convection-enhanced delivery techniques. In 2 patients, delivery of DNX-2401 was visualized as >1 cm maximal diameter of T1 hypointensity infusate on MRI obtained immediately after completion of viral infusion. These patients exhibited partial response based on Response Assessment in Neuro-Oncology assessment. The remaining patient showed <1 cm maximal diameter of infusate on immediate postinfusion MRI and showed disease progression on subsequent MRI.

Conclusions: Our pilot case series supports compatibility of the SmartFlow system with oncolytic adenovirus delivery and provides the basis for future validation studies.

Keywords: Convection-enhanced delivery; Intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging; Real-time MRI guidance; Recurrent glioblastoma.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Catheters
  • Convection*
  • Drug Delivery Systems* / methods
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods
  • Pilot Projects
  • Prospective Studies