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Gene therapy: a molecular approach to cancer treatment
1Targeted Genetics Corporation, Suite 100, 1100 Olive Way, Seattle, WA 98101, USA. anklesar@targen.com
Abstract:
The current delineation of the molecular basis of cancer provides a strong rationale to consider gene therapy approaches for cancer as a complement to other cancer therapies. Phase III trials focused on adenoviral vector-mediated delivery of wild-type p53 to compliment p53 mutations were recently initiated for head and neck cancer and ovarian cancer. Clinical testing of the tumor inhibitory gene E1A, delivered by synthetic vectors is ongoing. Positive clinical data from these clinical studies will establish the use of gene therapy as a component of the multimodal treatment for certain cancers.
Insights
Gene therapy shows promise as a cancer treatment complement. Clinical trials are underway for head and neck and ovarian cancers using gene delivery systems to target tumor suppressor genes.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Gene Therapy
Background:
- The molecular understanding of cancer provides a basis for novel therapeutic strategies.
- Gene therapy is emerging as a complementary approach to traditional cancer treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of gene therapy as an adjunct cancer treatment.
- To assess the clinical utility of specific gene therapy vectors in human cancers.
Main Methods:
- Phase III clinical trials utilizing adenoviral vectors for wild-type p53 gene delivery.
- Ongoing clinical testing of synthetic vectors for the delivery of the tumor suppressor gene E1A.
Main Results:
- Initiation of Phase III trials for head and neck and ovarian cancers focusing on p53 gene therapy.
- Clinical evaluation of E1A gene delivery via synthetic vectors is in progress.
Conclusions:
- Positive clinical data from ongoing trials could establish gene therapy as a standard component of multimodal cancer care.
- Gene therapy holds potential to enhance current cancer treatment paradigms for specific malignancies.