RATIONALE: Oncolytic viruses such as reovirus (REOLYSIN®) can specifically kill tumor cells while leaving healthy cells unharmed.

PURPOSE: This phase I/II study investigates the maximum tolerated dose (MTD), dose limiting toxicity (DLT) and anti-tumor effect of intralesional administration of REOLYSIN® therapeutic reovirus in patients with malignant glioma with evaluable disease which is progressive/recurrent despite surgery and/or radiotherapy with or without chemotherapy. (The phase I portion of the study is currently enrolling patients.)

Oncolytic viruses, such as reovirus, are those viruses which specifically destroy cancer cells. Reovirus is a common virus that does not cause disease, and has been shown to be associated with only minor flu-like symptoms. REOLYSIN® is a formulation of the live, replication-competent wild-type reovirus that selectively replicates in tumor cells, while leaving healthy cells unharmed.

This phase I/II multi-center study follows a standard design utilizing therapeutic viral dosage escalation. The phase I portion of the trial will evaluate the doses of intralesional REOLYSIN titrated to a maximum tolerated dose (MTD). The objective of the phase II portion of the study is to assess tumor response. The proportion of patients surviving to six months and the safety of REOLYSIN® are secondary objectives.

Each patient enrolled in the study will receive a single infusion of REOLYSIN® over 72 hours. Patients will remain in hospital for at least 90 hours after initiation of infusion. Following REOLYSIN® administration, each patient will be followed for at least 12 weeks (Phase I) and at least 6 months (Phase II) with regular evaluation visits (weekly and then monthly). Evaluations will include tumor measurements, serial neurologic exams and functional performance status assessments at baseline, prior to hospital discharge, and at weeks 4, 8, 12, 16 and 24 after REOLYSIN® therapy. Changes in performance will be assessed using the Karnofsky Performance Status scale. Subjects will also undergo serial blood sampling for evaluation of viral RNA, hematology and biochemistry.

Abbreviated Inclusion Criteria:

• PHASE I: 1st, 2nd or 3rd recurrence of: glioblastoma multiforme; gliosarcoma; anaplastic astrocytoma; anaplastic mixed glioma; or anaplastic oligodendroglioma
• PHASE II: 1st recurrence of glioblastoma multiforme (only)
• Progressing/recurrent lesion which is ≥1cmx1cm. For the Phase II study the lesion must be ≤5cmx5cm, defined by MRI only
• Be fully recovered from any prior therapy
• Have been treated at the time of original diagnosis by surgery and external beam radiation to a dose of at least 5000 cGy; radiotherapy completed at least 6 weeks before REOLYSIN® therapy
• Any intracranial surgery, except for stereotactic needle biopsy, must have occurred at least 4 weeks before REOLYSIN® therapy
• Any anti-cancer drug therapy must have been completed at least 4 weeks (6 weeks in the case of prior nitrosourea therapy) before REOLYSIN® therapy
• Have a life expectancy of ≥8 weeks and a Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) of ≥60
• Absolute neutrophils ≥1.5 x10^9/L; hemoglobin ≥100g/L; platelets ≥100 x 10^9/L
• ALT ≥1.5 x ULN; total bilirubin ≥1.5 x ULN
• Serum creatinine ≤1.5 x ULN
• EKG with no evidence of active, acute cardiovascular disease
• PT within normal limit
• Women of childbearing potential must have a negative pregnancy test
• Reside or have suitable living arrangements within a reasonable geographical area of the study site and be able to participate in all follow-up visits
• Patients requiring corticosteroids must be on a stable dose of steroid for at least two weeks prior to baseline MRI and when entered in the study. Maximum daily dose of 24 mg/day of dexamethasone/decadron or equivalent

Abbreviated Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients who are sexually active and not willing to use barrier methods of contraception; women who are breastfeeding
• Patients with unstable or serious concurrent medical or psychiatric conditions that would interfere with study treatment or follow-up
• Patients with more than one discrete enhancing lesion on MRI, or radiographic evidence of satellite lesions or leptomeningeal disease not obviously contiguous by FLAIR imaging
• Patients who may require further neurosurgery within 4 weeks after REOLYSIN® treatment
• Patients with a prior history of encephalitis, multiple sclerosis or other significant chronic CNS disease
• Patients who have evidence of a current CNS infection, meningeal gliomatosis or gliomatosis cerebri
• Patients with tumor that to be treated would require needle or catheter passage through a ventricle, the posterior fossa or basal ganglia; or patients with tumors invading the ventricle
• Patients who have previously participated in experimental viral therapy protocols
• Patients who have had prior intratumoral gene therapy or other intratumoral therapies
• Patients who have had Gliadel wafer therapy less than 6 months prior to enrollment
• Patients who have a history of bleeding disorders including congenital or acquired coagulopathies
• Patients who have a known history of hepatitis or tuberculosis
• Patients who have a known history of hereditary or acquired immunodeficiency including HIV infection
• Patients who have impaired non-neurological organ function (>Grade 1)
• Patients who have used systemic antiviral (or potentially antiviral) therapies within 28 days of enrollment
• Patients who have had brachytherapy or radiosurgery to the brain at any time
• Patients with previous or concurrent malignancies at other sites (except surgically-cured carcinoma in situ of the cervix and non-melanoma skin cancer)
• Prior or current medical history indicating that a patient may be significantly immunosuppressed