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Published on: March 13, 2018
Preclinical applications of imaging for cancer gene therapy
Arnaud Briat1, Georges Vassaux
1Centre for Molecular Oncology, Institute of Cancer and the CR-UK Clinical Centre, Barts and The London, Queen Mary's School of Medicine and Dentistry, John Vane Science Centre, London, EC1M 6BQ, UK. arnaud.briat@cancer.org.uk
Abstract:
Gene therapy is a very attractive strategy in experimental cancer therapy. Ideally, the approach aims to deliver therapeutic genes selectively to cancer cells. However, progress in the improvement of gene therapy formulations has been hampered by difficulties in measuring transgene delivery and in quantifying transgene expression in vivo. In clinical trials, endpoints rely almost exclusively on the analysis of biopsies by molecular and histopathological methods, which provide limited information. Therefore, to ensure the rational development of gene therapy, a crucial issue is the utilisation of technologies for the non-invasive monitoring of spatial and temporal gene expression in vivo upon administration of a gene delivery vector. Such imaging technologies would allow the generation of quantitative information about gene expression and the assessment of cancer gene therapy efficacy. In the past decade, progress has been made in the field of in vivo molecular imaging. This review highlights the various methods currently being developed in preclinical models.
Insights
Non-invasive imaging is crucial for advancing cancer gene therapy. New molecular imaging technologies allow researchers to track gene delivery and expression in real-time, improving treatment development.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Gene therapy offers a promising approach for experimental cancer treatment, aiming for targeted delivery of therapeutic genes to malignant cells.
- Current limitations in quantifying transgene delivery and expression in vivo hinder the optimization of gene therapy formulations.
- Existing clinical trial endpoints rely on invasive biopsy analysis, providing insufficient data for rational therapy development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and highlight emerging in vivo molecular imaging technologies for monitoring gene delivery and expression in cancer gene therapy.
- To emphasize the need for non-invasive methods to assess spatial and temporal gene expression following gene delivery vector administration.
- To discuss the potential of these technologies in generating quantitative data for evaluating cancer gene therapy efficacy.
Main Methods:
- Review of current advancements in in vivo molecular imaging techniques applicable to preclinical cancer models.
- Discussion of technologies enabling non-invasive monitoring of transgene delivery and expression.
- Analysis of methods for quantifying gene expression in vivo.
Main Results:
- Significant progress has been made in developing in vivo molecular imaging technologies over the past decade.
- These technologies offer the potential for non-invasive, quantitative assessment of gene expression.
- The reviewed methods are primarily being developed and tested in preclinical settings.
Conclusions:
- Non-invasive molecular imaging is essential for the rational development and optimization of cancer gene therapy.
- Advanced imaging techniques provide critical insights into transgene delivery and expression dynamics.
- Further development and application of these technologies in preclinical models are paving the way for improved cancer treatments.
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