Kevin A Cassady, MD

My research focuses on how tumor cells permit selective oncolytic viral replication and how these same pathways influence the viral induced immune mediated response. These studies led to the development of an avirulent HSV/HCMV chimeric virus as an anti-tumor therapeutic that is entering Phase I study in patients with recurrent Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). In addition to designing the virus, I have shepherded C134 through cGMP production, regulatory approval (RAC and IND) and now Phase I trial. We are now investigating ways to improve C134 anti-tumor activity by harnessing the antiviral immune response and priming tumor antigen recognition.