Tumor radiosensitization by gene therapy against endoglin
M Stimac1, U Kamensek1, M Cemazar1,2
1Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
Cancer Gene Therapy
|May 21, 2016
Summary
Gene electrotransfer targeting endoglin enhances radiation therapy for breast cancer. This combination therapy effectively reduces tumor blood vessels and promotes cancer cell death, offering a promising new treatment strategy.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Gene Therapy
- Radiation Oncology
Background:
- Vascular targeting therapies can enhance radiosensitization.
- Gene electrotransfer of shRNA against endoglin shows antitumor effects via vascular targeting.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the combined efficacy of gene electrotransfer and irradiation in an endoglin non-expressing tumor model.
- To specifically evaluate the vascular effects of this combined approach.
Main Methods:
- Intratumoral gene electrotransfer of endoglin shRNA plasmids (constitutive or endothelial-specific promoters).
- Combination with single or fractionated irradiation doses.
- Evaluation of antitumor efficacy and histological changes.
Main Results:
- Both plasmid types achieved 40-47% tumor cures when combined with irradiation.
- Significant reduction in tumor blood vessels and proliferating cells.
- Increased necrosis, apoptosis, and hypoxia observed.
Conclusions:
- Combined gene electrotransfer and irradiation is a feasible and effective therapeutic strategy.
- The antitumor efficacy is attributed to the synergistic interaction between vascular targeting and radiation.
- Endoglin silencing via shRNA technology shows potential for combined cancer treatment.
Related Concept Videos
02:57Targeted Cancer Therapies
9.1K
The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against...
There are several types of targeted therapies against...
9.1K
01:27Tumor Immunotherapy
2.1K
Immunotherapy is a treatment that boosts or manipulates the immune system to fight diseases, including cancer. For instance, by stimulating an immune response through vaccinations against viruses that cause cancers, like hepatitis B virus and human papillomavirus, these diseases can be prevented. Nonetheless, some cancer cells can avoid the immune system due to their rapid mutation and division. The immune response to many cancers involves three phases: elimination, equilibrium, and escape.
2.1K
02:38Mitogens and the Cell Cycle
8.4K
Mitogens and their receptors play a crucial role in controlling the progression of the cell cycle. However, the loss of mitogenic control over cell division leads to tumor formation. Therefore, mitogens and mitogen receptors play an important role in cancer research. For instance, the epidermal growth factor (EGF) - a type of mitogen and its transmembrane receptor (EGFR), decides the fate of the cell's proliferation. When EGF binds to EGFR, a member of the ErbB family of tyrosine kinase...
8.4K