GEN-1 immunotherapy for the treatment of ovarian cancer. (16th October 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Thaker, Premal H; Borys, Nicholas; Fewell, Jason; Anwer, Khursheed
• Is Part Of: Future oncology. Volume 15:Number 4(2019)
• Page Start: 421
• Page End: 438
• Publication Date: 2018-10-16
• Subjects: GEN-1 -- immunocytokine -- immunotherapy -- IL-12 -- ovarian cancer -- plasmid vector; Oncology -- Periodicals; 616.99405
• DOI: 10.2217/fon-2018-0423
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1479-6694

Abstract

GEN-1 is a gene-based immunotherapy, comprising a human IL-12 gene expression plasmid and a synthetic plasmid delivery system, delivered intraperitoneally (ip.) to produce local and persistent levels of a pleiotropic immunocytokine, IL-12, at the tumor site in patients with advanced ovarian cancer. The goal of local and persistent IL-12 delivery is to remodel the highly immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment to favor immune stimulation while avoiding serious systemic toxicities, a major limitation of recombinant IL-12 therapy. Safe and sustained local production of IL-12 and related immunocytokines at the tumor site could produce potentially more favorable immunological changes in the tumor microenvironment and antitumor responses than a bolus systemic delivery of recombinant IL-12. Treatment safety, clinical benefits and biological activity of GEN-1 ip. in patients with ovarian cancer and in representative animal models are described.