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Published on: June 4, 2017
Intranasal therapy with an adenoviral vector containing the murine interleukin-12 gene eradicates osteosarcoma lung
1Department of Pediatrics, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston 77030, USA.
Abstract:
The purpose of these studies was to determine the effect of adenovirus-mediated interleukin-12 (IL-12) gene transfer on the growth and development of osteosarcoma (OS) lung metastases in nude mice. A nude mouse model was produced by repetitive cycling of human SAOS OS cells through the lung. The resultant SAOS-LM6 cell line produced microscopic lung metastases by 5-6 weeks after i.v. injection of the tumor cells, with visible lung metastases present 8 weeks after injection. Transfection of SAOS-LM6 cells with a plasmid containing the murine IL-12 gene resulted in a decrease in metastatic potential. Animals injected with IL-12-transfected clones had fewer metastases compared with mice injected with SAOS-LM6 cells transfected with a control plasmid. Furthermore, nasal delivery of an adenoviral vector containing the murine IL-12 gene resulted in the inhibition of pulmonary metastases. Together, these data indicate that IL-12 may be an effective agent against OS and that nasal delivery may offer a unique way to deliver the gene to the local tumor environment, potentially decreasing systemic toxic effects.
Insights
Interleukin-12 (IL-12) gene transfer effectively reduced osteosarcoma lung metastases in mice. Nasal delivery of this gene therapy offers a promising approach for treating osteosarcoma.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Gene Therapy
- Immunotherapy
Background:
- Osteosarcoma (OS) is a primary bone cancer with a high propensity for lung metastasis.
- Effective therapeutic strategies targeting OS lung metastases are crucial for improving patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of adenovirus-mediated interleukin-12 (IL-12) gene transfer in reducing osteosarcoma lung metastases.
- To evaluate the potential of nasal delivery of IL-12 gene therapy for osteosarcoma treatment.
Main Methods:
- Development of a nude mouse model with human osteosarcoma (SAOS) lung metastases (SAOS-LM6 cell line).
- Transfection of SAOS-LM6 cells with a plasmid encoding murine IL-12 or a control plasmid.
- Intravenous injection of transfected cells and assessment of lung metastasis.
- Nasal administration of an adenoviral vector carrying the murine IL-12 gene.
Main Results:
- IL-12 gene transfer significantly decreased the metastatic potential of osteosarcoma cells.
- Mice injected with IL-12-transfected cells exhibited fewer lung metastases compared to controls.
- Nasal delivery of the adenoviral IL-12 vector inhibited the development of pulmonary metastases.
Conclusions:
- Interleukin-12 (IL-12) demonstrates potential as an effective therapeutic agent against osteosarcoma.
- Nasal gene delivery of IL-12 provides a localized and potentially less toxic approach for targeting lung metastases.

