Regression of advanced rat and human gliomas by local or systemic treatment with oncolytic parvovirus H-1 in rat models

Oncolytic virotherapy is a potential treatment modality under investigation for various malignancies including malignant brain tumors. Unlike some other natural or modified viruses that show oncolytic activity against cerebral neoplasms, the rodent parvovirus H-1 (H-1PV) is completely apathogenic in humans. H-1PV efficiently kills a number of tumor cells without harm to corresponding normal ones. In this study, the concept of H-1PV-based virotherapy of glioma was tested for rat (RG-2 cell-derived) and for human (U87 cell-derived) gliomas in immunocompetent and immunodeficient rat models, respectively. Large orthotopic rat and human glioma cell-derived tumors were treated with either single stereotactic intratumoral or multiple intravenous (iv) H-1PV injections. Oncolysis was monitored by magnetic resonance imaging and proven by histology. Virus distribution and replication were determined in brain and organs. In immunocompetent rats bearing RG-2-derived tumors, a single stereotactic intratumoral injection of H-1PV and multiple systemic (iv) applications of the virus were sufficient for remission of advanced and even symptomatic intracranial gliomas without damaging normal brain tissue or other organs. H-1PV therapy resulted in significantly improved survival (Kaplan–Meier analysis) in both the rat and human glioma models. Virus replication in tumors indicated a contribution of secondary infection by progeny virus to the efficiency of oncolysis. Virus replication was restricted to tumors, although H-1PV DNA could be detected transiently in adjacent or remote normal brain tissue and in noncerebral tissues. The results presented here and the innocuousness of H-1PV for humans argue for the use of H-1PV as a powerful means to perform oncolytic therapy of malignant gliomas.