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Viral gene therapy for breast cancer: progress and challenges

Antonela S Asad1,2, Mariela A Moreno Ayala1,2, M Florencia Gottardo1,2

  • 1a Departamento de Biología Celular e Histología, Facultad de Medicina , Universidad de Buenos Aires , Buenos Aires , Argentina.

Expert Opinion on Biological Therapy
|June 13, 2017
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Gene therapy using engineered viral vectors shows promise for treating metastatic breast cancer, which often resists standard treatments. Oncolytic viruses offer targeted tumor cell destruction, but further research is needed to improve safety and effectiveness.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Gene Therapy
  • Virology

Background:

  • Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer globally in women.
  • Metastatic breast cancer frequently exhibits resistance to conventional therapies.
  • Gene therapy offers novel strategies to target cancer cells and stimulate anti-tumor immunity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current gene therapeutic strategies for metastatic breast cancer treatment.
  • To discuss engineered viral vectors, including oncolytic viruses, under development.
  • To analyze the advantages and disadvantages of various gene therapy platforms.

Main Methods:

  • Review of therapeutic strategies utilizing engineered viral vectors.
  • Inclusion of adenovirus, adeno-associated virus, lentivirus, poxvirus, reovirus, baculovirus, herpesvirus, and oncolytic viruses.
  • Detailed discussion of the pros and cons of each gene therapy platform.

Main Results:

  • Metastatic breast cancer is a suitable candidate for gene therapy due to tumor antigens and aberrant molecular pathways.
  • Oncolytic vectors demonstrate potential for selective tumor cell targeting and can be enhanced by chemotherapy.
  • Challenges include reducing toxicity and improving transduction efficiency.

Conclusions:

  • Gene therapy, particularly with oncolytic viruses, presents a promising avenue for metastatic breast cancer.
  • Further research is essential to optimize safety, efficacy, and delivery methods.
  • Advancements in preclinical models, patient selection, and regulatory frameworks are crucial for clinical translation.
Keywords:
Breast cancermetastasisnon-replicative vectorsoncolytic vectorsviral gene therapy

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