Phase Ib dose-escalation study of Pexa-Vec (pexastimogene devacirepvec; JX-594), an oncolytic and immunotherapeutic vaccinia virus, administered by intravenous (IV) infusions in patients with metastatic colorectal carcinoma (mCRC).

3608^ Background: Pexa-Vec is an EGFR-targeted vaccinia virus engineered to express granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF), thereby stimulating direct oncolysis, tumor vascular disruption and anti-tumor immunity (Nat Rev Cancer 2009). Dose-dependent IV Pexa-Vec delivery was defined previously (Nature2011). This study was designed to assess the safety, maximal tolerated dose and anti-tumor activity of Pexa-Vec administered IV in patients with mCRC after failure of standard therapies. Methods: Nine patients were treated at 1 of 3 dose levels (106, 107 or 3x107pfu/kg IV every 2 weeks x 4) in a standard 3+3 dose-escalation design; 6 additional patients were enrolled at the MFD. Anti-tumor activity according to RECIST was determined using serial CT scans. Pharmacokinetic studies were also performed. Data summarized prior to database lock. Results: 15 patients with mCRC refractory to irinotecan, oxaliplatin, and 5-FU were treated (median lines of therapy 5; range 2-7); 13 of 15 received prior...