University of Pennsylvania

Pilling Co.

Larry R Kaiser

Katherine L Molnar-Kimber

William H Pilling

Takane Toyoizumi

The invention includes methods, compositions, and kits for killing tumor cells in a subject such as a human patient. The methods comprise administering both a chemotherapeutic agent and an oncolytic virus other than an adenovirus to a subject which has tumor cells. The agent and virus exhibit oncolytic activities that are at least additive, and that may be synergetic. The oncolytic virus may, for example, be a herpes simplex virus (type 1 or 2), a vaccinia virus, a vesicular stomatitis virus, or a Newcastle disease virus. The compositions and kits comprise a chemotherapeutic agent and an oncolytic virus other than an adenovirus, either in admixture or separately.

Combined therapy with a chemotherapeutic agent and an oncolytic virus for killing tumor cells in a subject

A method and apparatus for thoracoscopic surgery uses a hinged, ring-handled forceps having a length of approximately 12-13 inches inserted through a small incision without a cannula. Portions of the forceps extending from the hinge are straight and substantially parallel to each other when the jaws are closed. The forceps is then inserted into the patient's thoracic cavity through the incision until the hinge axis is approximately at the location of the incision. The jaws are then spread apart without significantly expanding the incision. Straight, side-curved, C-shaped and S-shaped instruments are described. Ratchet teeth disposed at a pitch of less than 0.1 inch are used to achieve small steps in jaw positioning.

Method of thoracoscopic surgery using hinged tissue grasping forceps

In thoracoscopic surgery digital palpation of intrathoracic anatomical structures is facilitated by the use of a rigid finger sheath which prevents the forces exerted by the patients ribs from causing numbness in the surgeon's finger. The finger sheath has an enlarged end which prevents it from falling into the patient's thoracic cavity.

Growing community of inventors

Wynnewood, PA, United States of America

Larry R Kaiser