Segment 9 - Safety Concerns with Oncolytic Virus Therapies

Although the oncolytic virus therapy being used in the OPTIM trial has been modified in a way that there should be minimal safety concerns, it should still be handled in a way to limit adverse effects and mutations, according to Kimberly Shafer-Weaver, PhD.

 

“I think early on, it would really be good to set some standards to ensure that it is being handled in a way that is not only safe for those who are administrating it and the patient, but also that you have quality control over the product,” she said.

 

However, she did admit to concerns about controlling the level of GM-CSF production to ensure there is not a cytokine storm in a patient.