Definition

A recombinant, attenuated oncolytic measles virus (MV) encoding the prodrug converting enzyme super cytosine deaminase (SCD), that can potentially be used as an antineoplastic adjuvant and with potential antineoplastic activity. Upon intra-tumoral injection, TMV-018 preferentially enters and transfects tumor cells, and expresses SCD, an enzyme that catalyzes the intracellular conversion of the prodrug flucytosine (5-fluorocytosine; 5-FC) into the antineoplastic agent 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). After administration of 5-FC, the tumor can be eradicated upon activation of 5-FU by SCD. In addition, the oncolytic MV may infect and lyse tumor cells. In turn, the lysed tumor cells release various tumor-associated antigens (TAAs), which induce an immune response against the tumor cells. This may further eradicate tumor cells.