Poxviral oncolytic vectors

Abstract

The present invention relates to a poxvirus comprising a defective F4L and/or I4L gene, to composition comprising such poxvirus and to the methods and use of such compositions and poxviruses for therapeutic purposes, and more particularly for the treatment of cancer.

1 .- 32 . (canceled) 
     
     
         33 . A method for treating a disease state, wherein a poxvirus comprising a defective I4L and/or F4L gene or a poxvirus comprising a defective I4L and/or F4L gene and a defective J2R gene, with the proviso that said poxvirus is not NYVAC, is administered to an host organism or cell which is in need of such treatment. 
     
     
         34 . The method as defined by  claim 33 , wherein said poxvirus is administered via the systemic route. 
     
     
         35 . The method as defined by  claim 33 , further comprising an additional step in which pharmaceutically acceptable quantities of a prodrug are administered to said host organism or cell. 
     
     
         36 . The method as defined by  claim 35 , wherein the administration of said prodrug takes place at least 3 days after the administration of said poxvirus. 
     
     
         37 . The method as defined by  claim 36 , wherein the administration of said prodrug takes place 7 days after the administration of said poxvirus. 
     
     
         38 . A method for the treatment of cancer, comprising administering to a host organism or cell in need of such treatment, for such period of time as required to elicit the desired effect, a thus effective amount of a poxvirus as defined by  claim 33 .