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Cancer suicide gene therapy: a patent review
Saúl Abenhamar Navarro1, Esmeralda Carrillo1,2,3, Carmen Griñán-Lisón1
1a Biopathology and Regenerative Medicine Institute (IBIMER), Centre for Biomedical Research , University of Granada , Granada , Spain.
Introduction:
Cancer is considered the second leading cause of death worldwide despite the progress made in early detection and advances in classical therapies. Advancing in the fight against cancer requires the development of novel strategies, and the suicide gene transfer to tumor cells is providing new possibilities for cancer therapy.
Areas Covered:
In this manuscript, authors present an overview of suicide gene systems and the latest innovations done to enhance cancer suicide gene therapy strategies by i) improving vectors for targeted gene delivery using tissue specific promoter and receptors; ii) modification of the tropism; and iii) combining suicide genes and/or classical therapies for cancer. Finally, the authors highlight the main challenges to be addressed in the future.
Expert Opinion:
Even if many efforts are needed for suicide gene therapy to be a real alternative for cancer treatment, we believe that the significant progress made in the knowledge of cancer biology and characterization of cancer stem cells accompanied by the development of novel targeted vectors will enhance the effectiveness of this type of therapeutic strategy. Moreover, combined with current treatments, suicide gene therapy will improve the clinical outcome of patients with cancer in the future.
Insights
Suicide gene therapy offers novel cancer treatment strategies. Innovations in targeted gene delivery and combination therapies show promise for improving patient outcomes in the future.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Gene Therapy
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Cancer remains a leading cause of death globally.
- Novel therapeutic strategies are crucial for advancing cancer treatment.
- Suicide gene transfer to tumor cells presents a promising new avenue.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an overview of suicide gene systems.
- To discuss recent innovations in enhancing cancer suicide gene therapy.
- To highlight future challenges and potential advancements.
Main Methods:
- Review of suicide gene systems and innovations.
- Focus on targeted gene delivery using specific promoters and receptors.
- Exploration of tropism modification and combination therapies.
Main Results:
- Improvements in targeted gene delivery vectors.
- Strategies for modifying tropism to enhance specificity.
- Potential for combining suicide genes with classical therapies.
Conclusions:
- Suicide gene therapy requires further development to be a primary cancer treatment.
- Advances in cancer biology and targeted vectors will improve effectiveness.
- Combination with existing treatments can enhance patient clinical outcomes.
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