Combining radiotherapy and gene therapy is effective against cancer

Scientists of the Cancer Center Clinic University of Navarra have developed an experimental treatment that combines radiotherapy and a gene therapy vector, which is effective and safe to treat various types of solid tumors in animal models, according to a study published in ‘Cancer Cell‘.

“Although radiotherapy has a potentiating effect on the immune system, in parallel it is also capable of inducing inhibitory mechanisms that suppress the immune system. In this work we have focused on maximizing the benefit offered by radiotherapy,” he explained. Juan Dubrotprincipal investigator of the Tumor Evasion and New Top Targets Group and co-director of the work.

The gene therapy vector designed at Cima is based on adeno-associated viruses (AAV) and expresses a protein (interleukin 12 or IL-12) with potent immunostimulatory activity. “We have observed that the combination of radiotherapy with the intratumoral injection of this vector makes the tumor itself produces IL-12which in turn activates the immune system to fight cancer. In this way, the tumor is eliminated by the joint action of radiotherapy and the immune response. Furthermore, thanks to the particular design of the vector, this occurs locally in the tumor itself, which prevents the appearance of toxicity in other organs,” points out the Cima researcher.

The results have confirmed the safety and effectiveness of this combined therapy in multiple experimental models of solid tumors such as melanoma, pancreatic, colon or lung cancer, among others. “In the coming months we will continue with toxicology studies to calibrate the most appropriate dose. With the data obtained, we hope to start phase I clinical trials in 2027,” he concludes. Jesus Prietoco-director of the work and professor emeritus of the Faculty of Medicine.

International groups from the Queen Mary University of London (United Kingdom) and the Broad Institute in Cambridge (United States) have participated in the work, and it has received public funding from the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities and the Government of Navarra, with the support of the Aciturri, José Soriano, Ramón Areces, Echébano foundations, as well as the Cabrera, Catalán and Amaro families, among others.