Neuroblastoma Cell Lines Contain Pluripotent Tumor Initiating Cells That Are Susceptible to a Targeted Oncolytic Virus
2009

Neuroblastoma Cells Contain Tumor Initiating Cells Targeted by Oncolytic Virus

publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Mahller Yonatan Y., Williams Jon P., Baird William H., Mitton Bryan, Grossheim Jonathan, Saeki Yoshinaga, Cancelas Jose A., Ratner Nancy, Cripe Timothy P.

Primary Institution: Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center

Hypothesis

Neuroblastoma contains tumor initiating cells that can be effectively targeted by an oncolytic virus.

Conclusion

The study suggests that human neuroblastoma contains tumor initiating cells that may be effectively targeted by an oncolytic virus.

Supporting Evidence

  • Four of eight human neuroblastoma cell lines formed tumorspheres in neural stem cell media.
  • All cell lines contained cells expressing neurogenic stem cell markers including CD133, ABCG2, and nestin.
  • Oncolytic viruses may represent an effective therapy for chemotherapy-resistant tumor initiating cells.

Takeaway

Neuroblastoma has special cells that help it grow back after treatment, and a virus designed to attack these cells can stop them from forming tumors.

Methodology

The study involved culturing neuroblastoma cell lines in neural stem cell media, assessing their ability to form tumorspheres, and testing the efficacy of a nestin-targeted oncolytic herpes simplex virus.

Limitations

The study used cell lines derived from neuroblastomas, which may not fully represent primary human samples.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.05

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0004235

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