4/9/2008 11:19:58 AM ET News Release Index
Oncolytics Biotech Inc. Reports Positive Interim Results of U.K.
Combination REOLYSIN® and Carboplatin/Paclitaxel Trial
CALGARY, AB, --- April 9, 2008 - Oncolytics Biotech Inc.
("Oncolytics") (TSX:ONC, NASDAQ:ONCY) today announced positive
interim results from its U.K. combination REOLYSIN® and
carboplatin/paclitaxel trial. Dr. Kevin Harrington of The Institute
of Cancer Research, London, and the principal investigator for the
trial, presented the results today at The 5th Annual Conference of
the British Society for Gene Therapy (BSGT) in Edinburgh, Scotland.
Four of the first eight patients treated in the study to date have a
diagnosis of carcinoma of the head and neck. All three head and neck
patients evaluated to date have had excellent clinical and
radiological responses without appreciable toxicity. Preliminary
assessment after recruitment of the first two cohorts has suggested
that patients with head and neck carcinomas may represent a group of
patients in whom the combination of carboplatin/paclitaxel and
REOLYSIN® is active.
"These early results in head and neck patients are remarkable,
considering the prognosis for refractory patients is generally poor,"
said Dr. Karl Mettinger, Chief Medical Officer for Oncolytics.
In the first cohort, the patient with head and neck cancer received 8
cycles of treatment (the maximum allowed) and achieved a clinical
complete response. In the second cohort, the two patients with head
and neck cancers with widespread disseminated disease have each
received six cycles of treatment to date and both have achieved
significant partial responses. Two of the three patients, including
the patient with the clinical complete response, had previously
received cisplatin/5-FU treatment and all three had previously
received radiotherapy.
More information about this clinical trial, including CT scans from
selected patients enrolled on the trial, can be found on the
Oncolytics website at www.oncolyticsbiotech.com.
The primary objective of the trial is to determine the Maximum
Tolerated Dose (MTD), Dose-Limiting Toxicity (DLT), recommended dose
and dosing schedule and safety profile of REOLYSIN® when administered
in combination with paclitaxel and carboplatin. Secondary objectives
include the evaluation of immune response to the drug combination,
the body's response to the drug combination compared to chemotherapy
alone and any evidence of anti-tumour activity.
The principal investigators are Dr. Kevin Harrington of The Institute
of Cancer Research and The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, and
Dr. Geoff Hall of St. James's Hospital in Leeds, U.K.
About Oncolytics Biotech Inc.
Oncolytics is a Calgary-based biotechnology company focused on the
development of oncolytic viruses as potential cancer therapeutics.
Oncolytics' clinical program includes a variety of Phase I/II and
Phase II human trials using REOLYSIN®, its proprietary formulation of
the human reovirus, alone and in combination with radiation or
chemotherapy. For further information about Oncolytics, please visit
www.oncolyticsbiotech.com |