‘This is a tremendous example of the innovative trials we envision as we build our neuro-oncology program at UConn.’<\/p>\n The therapy combines what researchers are calling PVSRIPO, a viral immunotherapy based on the polio vaccine, with pembrolizumab, an immunotherapy drug shown to be effective in treating many other types of cancers, marketed under the brand name Keytruda. The rationale for studying these agents in combination is evidence that indicates these drugs work synergistically to activate the immune system to fight cancer. PVSRIPO has been granted \u201cbreakthrough therapy designation\u201d from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for recurrent glioblastoma. It is also being studied across a range of cancers including melanoma, for which the FDA has granted \u201corphan drug status.\u201d<\/p>\n Istari Oncology, Inc., the North Carolina-based biotechnology company sponsoring the research, has selected UConn Health as a site for this phase of the trial.<\/p>\n \u201cThis is a tremendous example of the innovative trials we envision as we build our neuro-oncology program at UConn,\u201d says Dr. Kevin Becker<\/a>, director of neuro-oncology and UConn Health\u2019s primary investigator for this trial. \u201cWe are extremely honored to be one of only a few selected sites for the LUMINOS-101 trial. This is truly a landmark trial for patients with recurrent glioblastomas.\u201d<\/p>\n LUMINOS-101 is how Istari Oncology is branding this clinical trial.<\/p>\n The investigators believe the one-two punch of therapies may be able to generate \u201ca potent and specific anti-tumor response\u201d in patients with recurrent malignant glioblastoma, a type of aggressive and often fatal brain tumor.<\/p>\n \u201cTo be selected as one of a handful of sites in the world for this trial is truly a tribute to Dr. Becker\u2019s leadership, and it is also a tribute to the great multidisciplinary team that has been created through the Carole and Ray Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center<\/a> and our Brain and Spine Institute<\/a>,\u201d says Dr. Ketan Bulsara<\/a>, chief of UConn Health\u2019s Division of Neurosurgery<\/a>. \u201cUConn Health\u2019s involvement in this very promising trial affirms our standing as a world-class institution for clinical care and research in neuro-oncology.\u201d<\/p>\n UConn Health will share additional details about the research, including information on eligibility requirements and how patients can participate, later this year.<\/p>\n![\"Dr.](\"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/becker_kevin_20190930_krwallace_3598-300x200.jpg\")
(Photo by Kristin Wallace)<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/blockquote>\n![\"comparative](\"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/PVSRIPO-BEFORE-AFTER-300x162.jpg\")