Project Overview

Dr David Stojdl’s lab has custom‑built an oncolytic virus biotherapy specifically for the treatment of the devastating brain cancer, glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). Maraba‑LG kills brain cancer cells but leaves normal healthy tissue intact, and is one of the only oncolytic viruses in the world that can be safely injected at high doses into the brain. This project will enhance the cancer‑killing capacity of Maraba‑LG by improving its ability to activate a patient’s own immune system against their tumour. This approach holds great promise, since it is based on a single agent designed to activate large immune cell populations that are already established in most individuals. Almost all GBM patients in Canada will be eligible for this therapy.