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DNX-2401 is an experimental oncolytic virus in trials for adult and pediatric brain tumors. They report promising results in a small DIPG trial: 25% response rate (using RAPNO) with tumor reductions in 75%. Under RAPNO guidelines, the tumor has to shrink 25% in DIPG to be considered a "response". (This is 50% in other types of brain tumors). So 1/2 of cases had some tumor shrinkage but did not hit the 25% reduction level. This is still very good. It is very hard to get a response in DIPG. Median survival was 17.8 months with 3 (out of 12) patients still alive at the cutoff date. Historical survival rates are about 9-12 months for DIPG so this compares favorably.
My thoughts: this will be very useful, but by itself is not enough. I feel the same way about Onc-201. We need to get these treatments approved by the FDA so we can try combinations - that is how we will find the cure.