Abstract: The subject invention relates to viruses that are able to replicate and thereby kill neoplastic cells with a deficiency in the IFN-mediated antiviral response, and their use in treating neoplastic disease including cancer and large tumors. RNA and DNA viruses are useful in this regard. The invention also relates to methods for the selection, design, purification and use of such viruses for cancer therapy.

Abstract: Lowering the level of antibody or complement in the blood of a subject by plasmapheresis or exchange transfusion prior to administering an immunogenic therapeutic agent containing a foreign epitope reduces the immune response of the subject to the therapeutic agent.

Abstract: Mammalian subjects having a neoplasm are treated with a virus and a camptothecin compound, for example irinotecan or topotecan. The virus is selected from the group consisting of a Newcastle disease virus, a measles virus, a vesicular stomatitis virus, an influenza virus, a Sindbis virus, a picornavirus, and a myxoma virus. The treatment can also include administration of a monoclonal antibody against epidermal growth factor receptor, for example cetuximab.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to viruses that are able to purge (reduce or eliminate) undesirable cells in a mixture of cells. Undesirable cells can include neoplastic cells, cells mediating graft-versus host diseases, and autoimmune cells. The subject invention also relates to the purging of undesirable cells from bone marrow or peripheral blood cell harvests in the treatment of mammals including cancer patients, transplant recipients, and patients with autoimmune disease.

Abstract: A mammalian subject having a tumor is treated by a method comprising administering an effective amount of a Newcastle disease virus, wherein the virus is administered to the subject in one or more cycles; and at least one cycle comprises administering sequentially one or more initial doses of from 1.8×1010 PFU to 4.8×1010 PFU of the virus per square meter of patient surface area followed by administering one or more subsequent doses of from 2.4×1010 PFU to 1.2×1011 PFU of the virus per square meter of patient surface area.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of treating cancer in a mammal comprising administering to the mammal an effective amount of virus, particularly Newcastle Disease Virus or other Paramyxovirus. The invention also provides a method of treating cancer in a mammal comprising administering such viruses to the mammal in combination with another agent such as a chemotherapeutic compound, immunoadjuvant, cytokine, or immunosuppressive agent. The invention further provides a method of detecting cancer cells in a mammal using Paramyxovirus as an imaging agent and as an indicator of cancer cell growth in the mammal. The invention further provides genetically engineered Paramyxoviruses, and kits containing the viral compositions disclosed by the invention.

Abstract: A mammalian subject having a tumor is treated by a method comprising administering to the subject an amount of a Newcastle disease virus effective to treat the subject, wherein the virus is administered to the subject in one or more cycles; at least one cycle comprises administering sequentially one or more desensitization doses of the followed by one or more escalated doses of the virus to the subject; the amount of the virus in each escalated dose is higher than the amount of virus in each desensitization dose; and the first escalated dose is administered from 18 to 36 hours after the first desensitization dose.

Abstract: Two or more desensitization doses of a therapeutic virus are administered, followed by one or more escalated doses of the virus. In addition, the rate at which a therapeutic virus is administered can be controlled.

Abstract: Lowering the level of antibody or complement in the blood of a subject by plasmapheresis or exchange transfusion prior to administering an immunogenic therapeutic agent containing a foreign epitope reduces the immune response of the subject to the therapeutic agent.