Gene and cell therapy for pancreatic cancer
Hans Martin Singh1, Guy Ungerechts, Apostolia M Tsimberidou
1National Center for Tumor Diseases and German Cancer Research Center, Department of Translational Oncology , Heidelberg , Germany.
Introduction:
The clinical outcomes of patients with pancreatic cancer are poor, and the limited success of classical chemotherapy underscores the need for new, targeted approaches for this disease. The delivery of genetic material to cells allows for a variety of therapeutic concepts. Engineered agents based on synthetic biology are under clinical investigation in various cancers, including pancreatic cancer.
Areas Covered:
This review focuses on Phase I - III clinical trials of gene and cell therapy for pancreatic cancer and on future implications of recent translational research. Trials available in the US National Library of Medicine (www.clinicaltrials.gov) until February 2014 were reviewed and relevant published results of preclinical and clinical studies were retrieved from www.pubmed.gov .
Expert Opinion:
In pancreatic cancer, gene and cell therapies are feasible and may have synergistic antitumor activity with standard treatment and/or immunotherapy. Challenges are related to application safety, manufacturing costs, and a new spectrum of adverse events. Further studies are needed to evaluate available agents in carefully designed protocols and combination regimens. Enabling personalized cancer therapy, insights from molecular diagnostic technologies will guide the development and selection of new gene-based drugs. The evolving preclinical and clinical data on gene-based therapies can lay the foundation for future avenues improving patient care in pancreatic cancer.
Insights
Gene and cell therapies show promise for pancreatic cancer, potentially enhancing standard treatments. Further research is needed to address safety and cost challenges for personalized cancer care.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Translational Research
- Synthetic Biology
Background:
- Pancreatic cancer has poor clinical outcomes with limited success from traditional chemotherapy.
- Novel targeted therapies are essential for improving treatment efficacy.
- Gene and cell therapies represent emerging therapeutic strategies for various cancers, including pancreatic cancer.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review clinical trials (Phase I-III) of gene and cell therapy for pancreatic cancer.
- To discuss the implications of recent translational research in this field.
- To evaluate the feasibility and potential of gene and cell therapies in pancreatic cancer treatment.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of clinical trials registered in the US National Library of Medicine (clinicaltrials.gov) up to February 2014.
- Retrieval and analysis of published preclinical and clinical study results from PubMed.
- Focus on gene therapy and cell therapy approaches for pancreatic cancer.
Main Results:
- Gene and cell therapies are feasible in pancreatic cancer.
- These therapies may exhibit synergistic antitumor effects when combined with standard treatments or immunotherapy.
- Challenges include safety, manufacturing costs, and managing novel adverse events.
Conclusions:
- Gene and cell therapies offer potential for pancreatic cancer treatment, possibly enhancing existing regimens.
- Further studies are required to optimize protocols and combination strategies.
- Personalized cancer therapy development will be guided by molecular diagnostics, paving the way for improved patient care.
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