Gene therapy trial tests cancer-killing virus in brain tumors

Dr. Noriyuki Kasahara from UCSF has been awarded $11.8 million by the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) to target newly diagnosed high-grade gliomas. This groundbreaking clinical trial aims to treat high-grade gliomas, one of the most challenging brain cancers to manage.

These aggressive cancers develop in the brain or spinal cord and are notoriously difficult to treat.

The grant will support research into DB107 (formerly Toca 511), an innovative gene therapy platform that selectively targets tumor cells. This therapy delivers a unique enzyme that converts a harmless compound into a potent cancer-fighting drug directly within the cancer cells.

The first-of-its-kind clinical trial will evaluate the safety and effectiveness of this novel gene therapy in patients with newly diagnosed high-grade gliomas. The trial will be conducted at three prestigious California institutions: UCSF, USC, and UCSD.

"This first-in-human clinical trial in newly diagnosed high-grade gliomas represents a novel treatment approach that aims to advance the management of this devastating disease," said Dr. Abla Creasey, Vice President of Therapeutics Development at the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM).

CIRM's substantial investment in this innovative trial underscores its commitment to advancing cutting-edge therapies for brain cancer. The collaborative efforts at UCSF, supported by significant CIRM funding, represent a promising leap forward in the fight against high-grade gliomas, offering hope to patients and their families.