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Serial MR in gene therapy for recurrent glioblastoma: initial experience and work in progress
A V Deliganis1, A B Baxter, M S Berger
1Department of Radiology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, USA.
AJNR. American Journal of Neuroradiology
|September 20, 1997
Summary
This pilot study of gene therapy for recurrent glioblastoma showed limited tumor regression. Some patients experienced transient increases in enhancement, possibly due to an inflammatory response to the viral vector.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Gene Therapy
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Recurrent glioblastoma presents a significant therapeutic challenge.
- Gene therapy offers a potential novel treatment strategy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report MR imaging findings in a pilot study of gene therapy for recurrent glioblastoma.
- To assess the impact of gene therapy on tumor volume and enhancement patterns.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective evaluation of serial MR examinations in patients treated with gene therapy (herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase gene and ganciclovir).
- MR imaging performed post-resection and after each treatment cycle (~40-day intervals).
- Quantitative measurement of enhancing tissue volume on serial MR images.
Main Results:
- Seven patients completed at least two treatment cycles.
- Three patients showed an early increase in enhancing tissue volume, followed by a decrease or plateau.
- One patient had stable enhancement, while three showed continuous increases.
Conclusions:
- Limited tumor regression was observed in this pilot gene therapy study for recurrent glioblastoma.
- Transient increases in enhancement may indicate an inflammatory response to viral vector injection.
- Further investigation is needed to optimize gene therapy efficacy.