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Tumor suppressor gene therapy for cancer: from the bench to the clinic

R D Meng1, W S El-Deiry

  • 1Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Medicine, Genetics, Cancer Center and The Institute for Human Gene Therapy, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.

Drug Resistance Updates : Reviews and Commentaries in Antimicrobial and Anticancer Chemotherapy
|November 10, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Researchers are exploring tumor suppressors like p53 for cancer therapy. Clinical trials are investigating gene therapy and chemotherapy combinations, including tumor-specific agents like E1b-deleted adenovirus, to control cancer cell growth.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Cancer Genetics
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Numerous tumor suppressor genes, including p53, Rb, p21, p16, p27, BRCA1, and APC, are being investigated for their potential in controlling cancer cell proliferation.
  • p53 is a key target due to its ability to induce apoptosis in genetically altered and multidrug-resistant cancer cells.
  • Current therapeutic strategies are evolving, with a focus on personalized medicine guided by tumor genetic profiles.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the potential of various tumor suppressors in cancer treatment.
  • To highlight the role of p53 as a promising therapeutic target.
  • To discuss emerging clinical trial results, particularly those involving novel gene therapies.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on tumor suppressors and their clinical applications.
  • Analysis of preclinical studies exploring combination therapies (gene therapy and chemotherapy).
  • Examination of early clinical trial data for agents like E1b-deleted adenovirus.

Main Results:

  • p53 demonstrates significant potential in suppressing diverse cancer types and multidrug-resistant cells.
  • CDK-inhibitors primarily exhibit cytostatic effects with limited apoptotic activity.
  • Early clinical trials show promise for tumor-specific cytotoxic agents, such as E1b-deleted adenovirus.

Conclusions:

  • Tumor suppressor genes offer a promising avenue for cancer therapy, with p53 being a notable candidate.
  • Combination strategies involving gene therapy and chemotherapy are under active investigation.
  • Tumor-specific oncolytic viruses represent a novel and effective approach for treating common cancers.

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