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T M C » P U L S E | A U G U S T 2 0 1 8 35 took the lead in engineering the gene/virus combination, which the team of researchers studied for 10 years in the laboratory and in animal models to see what worked against the brain tumor. Dubbed DNX-2401, the inject- able treatment was designed to infect cancer cells, replicate inside them and then spread from cell to cell, killing the tumor. Fueyo, along with DNX-2401 co-inventor Candelaria Gomez- Manzano, M.D., an associate professor of neuro-oncology at MD Anderson, helped form DNAtrix, a biotechnology company based in the TMC Innovation Institute, to further develop this drug for regula- tory approval. In 2014, the FDA granted DNX- 2401 orphan designation, which means the drug was deemed a safe and effective treatment for a rare disease or condition affecting fewer than 200,000 people in the United States annually. Later, in the Phase 1 clinical trial with which Lang was associ- ated, DNX-2401 was injected once directly into the tumors of 25 patients whose glioblastomas had recurred after surgery and other treatments. This patient group typically has a median survival rate of six months. In three of the 25 patients, the tumor went away, which "is very rare for glioblastoma," Lang said. A total of 18 patients in the clin- ical trial had some tumor reduction over the course of a year or more, and the median survival rate was 9.5 months. Although the three patients with the best outcomes lived three or four years following the trial, all ended up with fatal tumor recur- rences. In two cases, patients were diagnosed with a different type of brain tumor, gliosarcoma, which is also malignant. Looking ahead, the treatment remains experimental and there is still much to be learned, Lang said. Since the Phase 1 clinical study, DNX-2401 has been tested across multiple clinical trials in more than 150 patients with malignant brain tumors, said Frank Tufaro, Ph.D., CEO of DNAtrix. That includes testing it in pediatric patients with diffuse midline glioma, an incurable childhood brain cancer. "In collaboration with Merck, we are evaluating DNX-2401 with pembrolizumab for the treatment of adult patients with recurrent glioblastoma," Tufaro added. "The initial results from both ongoing trials are promising, suggesting that DNAtrix viruses have the potential to improve the lives of patients with hard to treat cancers." The challenge for researchers now is to repeat the outcome for all patients, not just the three who had the most positive results in the Phase 1 clinical trial, Lang said. "We know more now, but not yet the total solution," he added. "Our virus is good for some, but another virus may be good for others." Make this summer a season for living life on your terms. Licensed chiropractors at The Joint help provide pain relief and preventative care, so you can live life to the fullest. Chiropractic can help with back and neck pain, joint discomfort, allergies, migraines and more. Stop by a clinic today! NEW PATIENT SPECIAL Consultation | Exam | Adjustment S 39 Value RELIEF RECOVERY WELLNESS ® No Appointments | No Insurance Needed | Open Evenings & Weekends *Offer valued at $39. Valid for new patients only. See clinic for chiropractor(s)' name and license info. Clinics managed and/or owned by franchisee or Prof. Corps. Restrictions may apply to Medicare eligible patients. Individual results may vary. © 2018 The Joint Corp. All Rights Reserved. West U (713) 588-0858 | thejoint.com 3177 W. Holcombe Blvd. Houston, TX 77025