P11.23 Oncolytic adenovirus Delta-24-RGD exerts a potent anti-tumor effect in preclinical models of atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumors

Abstract

Abstract BACKGROUND Atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumors (AT/RTs) are rare pediatric brain tumors affecting mainly infants and young children. However, AT/RTs encompass almost 10% of death caused by pediatric brain tumors, and the 2-year overall survival for these children remains below 20%. For this reason, AT/RT ranks among the deadliest pediatric brain tumors. Therefore, it is clear we need to find out new therapeutic options for these children. Delta-24-RGD is an oncolytic adenovirus that has already demonstrated its efficacy as in Phase I/II clinical trials in adult patients affected by high grade gliomas with no evidence of severe side effects. Of interest for pediatric brain tumors, the safety of Delta-24-RGD is has also been demonstrated in an ongoing Phase I clinical trial for the treatment of DIPGs (NCT03178032). For these reasons, we propose to evaluate the anti-tumor effect of Delta-24-RGD in preclinical models of ATRT. MATERIAL AND METHODS Our studies have been carried out in three stablished AT/RT cell lines (BT-12, CHLA-06 and CHLA-266). In vitro, AT/RT cultures were infected with Delta-24-RGD-GFP to confirm the infectivity of the virus by flow cytometry. Replication of Delta-24-RGD was ensured by titrating the PFUs generated in AT/RT infected cultures. In regard to cytolytic effect, viability assays (MTS) were conducted in AT/RT cultures infected at increasing MOIs of Delta-24-RGD. In vivo, AT/RT cell lines were engrafted in Rag-2 mice in supratentorial and infratentorial locations, and the animals were treated with Delta-24-RGD at 107 or 108 PFU/animal (intra-tumor administration), or PBS. The therapeutic benefit of Delta-24-RGD was evaluated comparing the overall survival obtained for treated and untreated animals using the Log-rank test. We have also generated models of disseminated disease through intraventricular injection of the tumor cells, thus mimicking the lesions found in patients. AT/RT cell lines were transduced with a luc-expressing lentivirus to facilitate the follow up of these tumors. Mice bearing disseminated AT/RT were treated with Delta-24-RGD at 107 or 108 PFU/animal, or PBS (control). The therapeutic effect was monitored by bioluminescence and by comparison of the survival curves (Log-rank). RESULTS The virus was able to infect and replicate in tumor three different cell culture models of AT/RT, inducing a potent cytotoxic effect that resulting in IC50 values below 1 PFU/cell. Administration of the virus in mice bearing localized AT/RT (supratentorial and infratentorial) extended significantly the survival the animals, leading to up to 20% of long-term survivors. In disseminated AT/RT models, light emission reveals reduction of tumor growth in virus treated animals, resulting in an increased overall survival. CONCLUSION In conclusion, these results demonstrate that Delta-24-RGD could be a feasible therapeutic choice for patients affected by AT/RT.