Abstract 7258: Combinatorial effects of viral oncolysis and miRNA modulation as a novel therapeutic of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

Abstract

Abstract Pancreatic cancer is a devastating illness that affects numerous individuals each year. Unfortunately, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is an aggressive form of this disease that accounts for a disproportionate number of cancer-related deaths. Despite representing only 3.3% of all cancer cases in the United States, pancreatic cancer is responsible for a staggering 8.3% of cancer-related fatalities. In 2023, 64,050 patients were diagnosed with PDAC alone. Current treatment options, which are limited to surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, have failed to improve clinical outcomes. Recent research has revealed miRNA (miR) as a contributor to the suppression and progression of various cancers, including PDAC. Specifically, dysregulation of miR-7 has been associated with PDAC. Downregulation of miR-7 is linked to more aggressive cases of the disease. Another potential therapeutic approach to treating cancer is the use of oncolytic viruses (OV). These viruses can replicate in cancerous cells while leaving healthy cells unharmed, making them an attractive treatment option. In this study, we utilized exosomes isolated from human Umbilical Cord stem cells (hUCs) enriched with miR-7 and combined with OHSV to examine their effect on established PDAC cell lines. We utilized cell viability assays, microscopy, and western blot analysis to evaluate the impact of the combinatorial approach on the underlying molecular mechanisms. Our findings suggest that the successful transfer of miR cargo and treatment with oHSV into the target PDAC cells arrested cell proliferation by targeting apoptotic pathways. Citation Format: Monique Kanitz Ruschel, Isaiah Davis, Hannah Taylor Mills, Karthik Gourishetti, Deepak Bhere. Combinatorial effects of viral oncolysis and miRNA modulation as a novel therapeutic of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 7258.