The role of PARP inhibitors in mutated pancreatic cancer.

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) accounts for about 3% of all cancers in the United States and about 7% of all cancer deaths. Despite the lower prevalence relative to other solid tumors, it is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death in the US. PDAC is highly resistant to chemotherapy as well as radiation therapy.

Molecular Tools for Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Characterization.

In our recent publication [1], we have explored at the molecular level the consequences of reovirus administration to patients with mutated colorectal cancer (CRC). This was the first reported study where transcriptome assay was performed on mutated CRC patients receiving reovirus (pelareorep) therapy. Using peripheral mononuclear cells as a tumor surrogate, we have identified several hundred genes that were significantly altered in a transcriptome assay of patients receiving pelareorep serving as their own controls (pre and post reovirus administration) and compared to untreated controls [2].

Immune characterization of metastatic colorectal cancer patients post reovirus administration.

Background: KRAS mutations are prevalent in 40-45% of patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) and targeting this gene has remained elusive. Viruses are well known immune sensitizing agents. The therapeutic efficacy of oncolytic reovirus in combination with chemotherapy is examined in a phase 1 study of metastatic CRC.

Elucidation of Pelareorep Pharmacodynamics in A Phase I Trial in Patients with -Mutated Colorectal Cancer.

mutation is a negative predictive biomarker of anti-EGFR agents in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC), and remains an elusive target. Pelareorep, a double-stranded RNA virus selectively replicates in -mutated cells, and is synergistic with irinotecan. A dose escalation trial of FOLFIRI/bevacizumab [irinotecan (150-180 mg/m) and pelareorep (1 × 10 TCID-3 × 10 TCID)] was implemented in adult patients with oxaliplatin refractory/intolerant, -mutant mCRC.

Immunotherapeutic advances in gastrointestinal malignancies.

Cancer is an important global issue with increasing incidence and mortality, placing a substantial burden on the healthcare system. Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed among men and women in US. It is estimated that in 2018 there will be 319,160 new diagnosis and 160,820 deaths related to cancer of the digestive system including both genders in the United States alone.