Cancer
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Translational research on combination immunotherapy with an oncolytic vaccine

Institutions: National Center for Tumor Diseases, German Cancer Research Center, University Hospital Heidelberg
Applicant: Dr. med. Dr. rer. nat. Christine E. Engeland
Funding line:
Else Kröner Memorial Fellowships
Dr. Engeland (MD PhD) and Dr. Veinalde (PhD) discuss results in the research laboratory at the National Center for Tumor Diseases.

Certain „oncolytic“ viruses replicate selectively in cancer cells, leading to tumor lysis. This can elicit tumor vaccination effects and induce an immune response against the tumor. This effect can be enhanced by certain immunotherapies called „checkpoint antibodies“. In a clinical trial at the National Center for Tumor Diseases in Heidelberg patients with advanced colorectal and pancreatic cancer are treated with oncolytic measles vaccine viruses and a checkpoint antibody. This project investigates the mechanisms of action of this combination therapy using mouse models as well as patient-derived tumor and blood samples. The aim of this project is to further develop this innovative treatment approach for immunotherapy of cancer.

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