Mar 4 2010
GenVec, Inc.
(Nasdaq: GNVC) announced the publication of new preclinical research revealing
mechanisms by which TNFerade(TM) suppresses cancer metastases through
activation of the immune system.
This preclinical study, "Ad.Egr-TNF and Local Ionizing Radiation Suppress
Metastases by Interferon-Beta-Dependent Activation of Antigen-specific CD8+ T
Cells," authored by investigators from the University of Chicago and Harvard
Medical School, appears in the recent issue of Molecular Therapy. The results
illustrate that local treatment of an animal tumor with TNFerade suppresses
metastases to lymph nodes by activating CD8+ T cells. Activation of these
anti-tumor cells is mediated by Interferon-Beta, a known potent immune
regulator.
"Although enhanced local control of cancer can contribute to improvements
in patient survival, any suppression of metastases is an important aspect of
cancer treatment. These exciting preclinical data may help explain the
encouraging results being seen with TNFerade in the clinic," noted Mark
Thornton, M.D., M.P.H., Ph.D., GenVec's Senior Vice President of Product
Development.
SOURCE GenVec, Inc.
Triple-negative breast cancer patients with high immune cell levels have lower relapse risk after surgery