Evaluation of a selectively oncolytic adenovirus for local and systemic treatment of cervical cancer

Treatment options for disseminated cervical cancer remain inadequate. Here, we investigated a strategy featuring AdS-Delta24RGD, an oncolytic adenovirus replication-competent selectively in cells defective in the Rb-p16 pathway, such as most cervical cancer cells. The viral fiber contains an alpha(v)beta(37) and alpha(v)beta(5) integrin-binding RGD-4C motif, allowing coxsackie-adenovirus receptor-independent infection. These integrins have been reported to be frequently upregulated in cervical cancer. Oncolysis of cervical cancer cells was similar to a wild-type control in vitro. In an animal model of cervical cancer, the therapeutic efficacy of AdS-Delta24RGD could be demonstrated for both intratumoral and intravenous application routes. Biodistribution was determined following intravenous administration to mice. Further preclinical safety data were obtained by demonstrating lack of replication of the agent in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. These results suggest that AdS-Delta24RGD could be useful for local or systemic treatment of cervical cancer in patients with disease resistant to currently available modalities. (C) 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.