Scientists at the Federal Scientific Center for Research and Development of Immunobiological Preparations named after M.P. Chumakov have obtained a strain of yellow fever virus effective against pancreatic cancer cells. This refers to ductal adenocarcinoma – the most aggressive form of pancreatic cancer, accounting for more than 90% of cases of this disease.
The center produces the only yellow fever vaccine in Russia based on a live virus strain. Its safety and immunogenicity have been proven by more than 70 years of practical use. As the scientists noted, it was the thorough study of the virus that prompted them to consider it as a promising oncolytic agent. Oncolytic viruses are modified to selectively target tumor cells and stimulate anti-tumor immunity.
Studies on mice with pancreatic tumors showed that injecting the virus into the tumor suppresses its growth, and preliminary immunization enhances the therapeutic effect. To increase effectiveness, the onco-drug Ruxolitinib was used in combination with the virus. Combined therapy significantly slowed the growth of neoplasms and doubled the median survival of the experimental animals.
The development by Russian scientists fits into a global trend: in the USA, the FDA granted accelerated review status to the oncolytic adenovirus VCN-01, which showed an overall response rate of 50% in patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma during clinical trials. In China, a modified vaccine virus hV01, carrying human interleukin-21, is being studied for patients with advanced tumors.
Further research on the Russian strain is ongoing. Additional experiments will be required to assess safety and efficacy in other cancer models, as well as to optimize dosages and administration regimens. If successful, the new therapy could become available to patients in the future.