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Paramyxoviruses for Tumor-targeted Immunomodulation: Design and Evaluation Ex Vivo
Published on: January 7, 2019
Experimental therapies: gene therapies and oncolytic viruses
M Maher Hulou1, Choi-Fong Cho1, E Antonio Chiocca1
1Harvey Cushing Neuro-Oncology Laboratories, Department of Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
Abstract:
Glioblastoma is the most common and aggressive primary brain tumor in adults. Over the past three decades, the overall survival time has only improved by a few months, therefore novel alternative treatment modalities are needed to improve clinical management strategies. Such strategies should ultimately extend patient survival. At present, the extensive insight into the molecular biology of gliomas, as well as into genetic engineering techniques, has led to better decision processes when it comes to modifying the genome to accommodate suicide genes, cytokine genes, and tumor suppressor genes that may kill cancer cells, and boost the host defensive immune system against neoantigenic cytoplasmic and nuclear targets. Both nonreplicative viral vectors and replicating oncolytic viruses have been developed for brain cancer treatment. Stem cells, microRNAs, nanoparticles, and viruses have also been designed. These have been armed with transgenes or peptides, and have been used both in laboratory-based experiments as well as in clinical trials, with the aim of improving selective killing of malignant glioma cells while sparing normal brain tissue. This chapter reviews the current status of gene therapies for malignant gliomas and highlights the most promising viral and cell-based strategies under development.
Insights
Novel gene therapies offer new hope for glioblastoma (GBM), the most aggressive brain cancer. Researchers are exploring engineered viruses, stem cells, and nanoparticles to selectively kill cancer cells and enhance immune response, aiming to improve patient survival.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Genetics
- Cancer Biology
Background:
- Glioblastoma (GBM) is an aggressive primary brain tumor with limited survival improvements over decades.
- New therapeutic strategies are crucial for enhancing GBM patient outcomes.
- Advances in molecular biology and genetic engineering offer novel treatment avenues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current landscape of gene therapy for malignant gliomas.
- To highlight promising viral and cell-based gene therapy strategies for GBM treatment.
- To discuss the potential of genetic modification for targeted cancer cell destruction and immune system enhancement.
Main Methods:
- Review of current gene therapy approaches for malignant gliomas.
- Analysis of viral vectors (nonreplicative and oncolytic) for brain cancer treatment.
- Examination of cell-based therapies including stem cells, microRNAs, and nanoparticles armed with therapeutic genes or peptides.
Main Results:
- Gene modification strategies aim to introduce suicide genes, cytokine genes, or tumor suppressor genes to eliminate cancer cells.
- Engineered viral and cell-based systems are being developed for selective killing of glioma cells while sparing healthy brain tissue.
- Laboratory and clinical studies are evaluating these advanced therapies for improved efficacy.
Conclusions:
- Gene therapy holds significant promise for treating malignant gliomas.
- Viral and cell-based strategies are at the forefront of innovative GBM treatment development.
- Further research and clinical trials are essential to translate these advancements into improved patient survival and management.
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