Grant: Doctoral: Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships

Oncolytic viruses (OVs) are likened to biological killing machines that seek out and destroy cancer cells. These viruses accomplish this feat by preferentially infecting cancer cells based on inherent differences between normal and cancer cells. In addition to infecting and killing cancer cells directly, our lab has shown in mice that oncolytic viruses are able to target tumours in another way. The virus is able to call the immune system to essentially strangle tumours. This is accomplished when virus infection of a tumour triggers an inflammatory response that forms blood clots in vessels that feed the tumour. Left without a vital blood supply, cancer cells die while normal cells are left unharmed. This research led us to ask if a similar phenomenon occurs in human patients who are enrolled in clinical trials for an oncolytic virus that I am studying. Interestingly, we see a similar loss of blood flow to tumours treated with virus. Furthermore, incoming evidence suggests that this effect is increased when patients are treated with virus in combination with a standard chemotherapy drug. Preliminary results suggest that the virus is actually improving the efficiency of the chemotherapy drug. It is unknown exactly how these two therapies interact. The dramatic loss of blood flow to tumours treated with both therapies could be a promising therapy for a variety of cancers. I am now investigating ways in which we can use oncolytic viruses to cut off blood flow more efficiently. Understanding what is happening at the molecular level will help us design better clinical trials and will enable us to take advantage of the synergy between oncolytic viruses and chemotherapy. I hope that my research will become a viable therapeutic option for the millions of Canadians who battle cancer every year.