Oncolytics Biotech Inc. (NASDAQ: ONCY) is focused on the development of oncolytic viruses for use as cancer therapeutics. The Company’s lead product, REOLYSIN®, a proprietary formulation of the human reovirus, is currently in late stage (Phase III) clinical testing in head and neck cancers. REOLYSIN® has been utilized in nearly thirty clinical trials including translational, Phase I, Phase II (single arm and randomized), and Phase III studies in a broad range of cancer indications.
Oncolytics today announced positive results from its U.S. Phase 2 clinical trial in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the lung (SCCLC) using intravenous administration of REOLYSIN® in combination with carboplatin and paclitaxel (REO 021).
The analysis examined percent best overall tumour changes between pre-treatment and up to six treatment cycles. Of 20 evaluable patients, 19 exhibited overall tumour shrinkage.
The study enrolled patients with metastatic or recurrent squamous cell carcinoma of the lung. The primary endpoint of the study is objective tumour response rates, and the secondary objectives include progression free survival and overall survival. To date, the Company has observed nine partial responses (PR), nine stable disease (SD) and three progressive disease (PD) by RECIST criteria for a disease control rate (complete response (CR) + PR + SD)) of 86%. The study continues to enroll patients.
Dr. Brad Thompson , President and CEO of Oncolytics, commented:
It’s exciting to have 95% of patients in this study exhibit tumour shrinkage and these results further suggest that REOLYSIN may have potential use in neoadjuvant (pre-surgical) settings. Based on these findings we intend to continue to look at REOLYSIN as a treatment for cancers of the lung and cancers that metastasize to the lung.