The efficacy of oncolytic viruses (OVs) depends on multiple actions including direct tumor lysis, modulation of tumor perfusion and stimulation of tumor-directed immune responses. In this study, we investigated whether a sequential combination of immunologically distinct viruses might enhance antitumor efficacy through the induction of tumor-specific immunity and circumvention or mitigation of antiviral immune responses.

The Syrian hamster as an immune-competent model that supports replication of both adenovirus and vaccinia virus was evaluated in vitro and in vivo. The antitumor efficacy of either virus alone or sequential combination of the two viruses was examined in pancreatic and kidney cancer models. The functional mechanism of the regime developed here was investigated by histopathology, immunohistochemistry staining, CTL assay and T-cell depletion.

The Syrian hamster is a suitable model for assessment of oncolytic adenovirus and vaccinia virus. Three low doses of adenovirus followed by three low doses of vaccinia virus resulted in a superior antitumor efficacy to the reverse combination, or six doses of either virus alone, against pancreatic and kidney tumors in Syrian hamsters. 62.5% of animals bearing either tumor type treated with the sequential combination became tumor-free, accompanied by the induction of effective tumor-specific immunity. This enhanced efficacy was ablated by CD3+ T cell depletion, but was not associated with humoral immunity against the viruses.

These findings demonstrate that sequential treatment of tumors with oncolytic adenovirus and vaccinia virus is a promising approach for cancer therapy and that T cell responses play a critical role.