Human ex vivo models to analyze combinations and immunostimulatory effects induced by oncolytic viruses

Introduction: Oncolytic viruses offer an interesting approach not only to kill cancer cells but also to stimulate the human immune system by tumor cell lysates (TCL). Herein, the oncolytic parvovirus H-1 (H-1PV) presents clear immunostimulatory features. Combination of oncolytic viruses with chemotherapy-based regimes or with immune-checkpoint inhibitors, e.g. the anti-CTLA-4 antibody tremelimumab, are strategies to resensitize resistant tumors. Here we present first promising preclinical data which might further enhance treatment efficacy. Methods: Human ex vivo models of melanoma and colorectal cancer cells wi…