Therapeutic genes for cancer gene therapy

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Oct 15, 2026

Defining Gene Functions in Tumorigenesis by Ex vivo Ablation of Floxed Alleles in Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumor Cells
09:37

Defining Gene Functions in Tumorigenesis by Ex vivo Ablation of Floxed Alleles in Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumor Cells

Published on: August 25, 2021

W Walther1, U Stein

  • 1Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine, Department of Surgery & Surgical Oncology, Berlin, Germany. wowalt@mdc-berlin.de

Molecular Biotechnology
|August 10, 2000
PubMed

Insights

Gene therapy for cancer utilizes nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) to selectively target and destroy tumor cells or inhibit their growth. Various therapeutic genes are being investigated for their potential in cancer treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Biotechnology

Background:

  • Cancer remains a significant global health challenge with high incidence rates.
  • Gene therapy offers a promising approach to combat cancer by targeting tumor cells specifically.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the application of gene therapy in cancer treatment.
  • To review various therapeutic genes and their mechanisms of action in preclinical and clinical studies.

Main Methods:

  • Introduction of foreign genes into tumor cells.
  • Utilizing nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) as therapeutic agents.
  • Investigating diverse gene types including cytokine, immunostimulatory, suicide, tumor suppressor, and multidrug resistance genes.

Main Results:

  • Gene therapy strategies aim for selective tumor cell killing or growth inhibition.
  • Investigated genes target immunological recognition, direct cell killing, or interference with tumor growth.
  • A broad range of therapeutic genes are under active investigation.

Conclusions:

  • Gene therapy holds significant potential for cancer treatment.
  • Diverse gene-based strategies are being developed and tested to improve cancer outcomes.

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