Cancer Therapy

Biography

Biography: Christine Guenther

Abstract

Introduction: Targeting therapy to cancer and other diseases with high medical need has been a long held goal and a challenge. A large body of published literature, however, points to the unique ability of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to actively home to tumors and areas of infl ammation and tissue damage. Here, we describe the development of genetically modifi ed MSCs that combine the inherent ability to target tumors with the expression of the desired therapeutic trans-gene in situ. Materials & Methods: A Phase I/II clinical trial (TREAT-ME 1) was designed and commenced based on in vivo effi cacy data and proof of concept previously described in mice In the Phase I part of the trial (completed),six patients were treated, suff ering from advanced-stage gastrointestinal adenocarcinomas (three colorectal, two pancreatic, and one cholangiocellular carcinoma). Th e treatment schedule was an administration of either a low (3 patients; 0.5 million cells/kg body weight/weekly infusion) or a high (3 patients; 1 million cells/kg body weight/weekly infusions) dose per week, for three weeks, each followed by ganciclovir administration on the 3rd, 4th and 5th day. All protocols were approved by a Data Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB), a local Ethics Committee (EC) and the Paul-Ehrlich Institute (PEI). Results: Th e infusion of the genetically modifi ed MSC and the treatment was safe and tolerable in all patients. No related Serious Adverse Events (SAEs) or other Adverse Events with CTC-AE Grade 3-5 toxicity were recorded. Close patient monitoring by laboratory parameters, cardiac monitoring and vital signs revealed no signs for clinically signifi cant negative changes and trends. Preliminary results also indicate that elevated liver enzymes and cholestasis parameters due to the underlying liver involvement (G-GT, aP, Bilirubin, GPT, GOT) declined signifi cantly in chronological correlation to the therapy (MSC+GCV). Th is eff ect was not sustained aft er end of treatment and might require repeated doses. According to RECIST (1.1) 4/6 patients showed stable disease at three months follow-up, 2/6 progressive disease. 1/6 was in sustained SD (>5 months). 2/6 patients had stable clinical condition. Discussion: Th is is the fi rst reported clinical trial with genetically modifi ed MSCs and the fi rst report that MSCs have been used in oncology. Th e data support the hypothesis that genetically modifi ed MSCs are a viable, safe and promising therapeutic modality and are consistent with what was previously observed in mice, where recruitment of cells to the tumors, transgene expression and a signifi cant decrease in tumor volume were seen. Based on the positive data and relevant regulatory approvals, the clinical trial has now progressed to the Phase II part.