Molecular Therapy: Oncolytics (Sep 2023)

Oncolytic virotherapy with intratumoral injection of vaccinia virus TG6002 and 5-fluorocytosine administration in dogs with malignant tumors

  • Jérémy Béguin,
  • Eve Laloy,
  • Sandrine Cochin,
  • Murielle Gantzer,
  • Isabelle Farine,
  • Christelle Pichon,
  • Baptiste Moreau,
  • Johann Foloppe,
  • Jean-Marc Balloul,
  • Christelle Machon,
  • Jérôme Guitton,
  • Dominique Tierny,
  • Bernard Klonjkowski,
  • Eric Quéméneur,
  • Christelle Maurey,
  • Philippe Erbs

Journal volume & issue
Vol. 30
pp. 103 – 116

Abstract

Read online

TG6002 is an oncolytic vaccinia virus expressing FCU1 protein, which converts 5-fluorocytosine into 5-fluorouracil. The study objectives were to assess tolerance, viral replication, 5-fluorouracil synthesis, and tumor microenvironment modifications to treatment in dogs with spontaneous malignant tumors. Thirteen dogs received one to three weekly intratumoral injections of TG6002 and 5-fluorocytosine. The viral genome was assessed in blood and tumor biopsies by qPCR. 5-Fluorouracil concentrations were measured in serum and tumor biopsies by liquid chromatography or high-resolution mass spectrometry. Histological and immunohistochemical analyses were performed. The viral genome was detected in blood (7/13) and tumor biopsies (4/11). Viral replication was suspected in 6/13 dogs. The median intratumoral concentration of 5-fluorouracil was 314 pg/mg. 5-Fluorouracil was not detected in the blood. An increase in necrosis (6/9) and a downregulation of intratumoral regulatory T lymphocytes (6/6) were observed. Viral replication, 5-fluorouracil synthesis, and tumor microenvironment changes were more frequently observed with higher TG6002 doses. This study confirmed the replicative properties, targeted chemotherapy synthesis, and reversion of the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment in dogs with spontaneous malignant tumors treated with TG6002 and 5-fluorocytosine.

Keywords