Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 29, 2026
Characterization of Functionally Associated miRNAs in Glioblastoma and their Engineering into Artificial Clusters for Gene Therapy
Published on: October 4, 2019
Basics of cancer gene therapy
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Ulm, Germany.
Abstract:
Gene therapy is a rapidly evolving concept for the therapy of different forms of cancer. A number of phase-I clinical trials have recently been initiated world wide. This review discusses the technical concepts underlying the protocols currently coming into clinics. Two tools essentially constitute such concepts, the vector for efficient transfer and expression of the transgene in the cancer cell, and the therapeutic gene. The most advanced vectors ready for clinical use are the retrovirus- and adenovirus-derived vectors. The application of a broad spectrum of therapeutic genes can be classified into gene replacement of replace e.g. mutated tumor suppressor genes, gene addition to increase immunogenicity by cytokine genes or introduce prodrug genes for suicide induction and, thirdly, targeted affection of gene expression by antisense oligonucleotides or expression of ribozymes e.g. directed against oncogene sequences. Cancer gene therapy holds great promise to become an important addition to the multimodality in the therapy of some forms of cancer.
Insights
Gene therapy is emerging as a promising cancer treatment, utilizing advanced vectors like retroviruses and adenoviruses. This approach involves gene replacement, addition, or targeted expression modification for therapeutic benefit.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Gene therapy is a rapidly advancing field for treating various cancers.
- Several Phase I clinical trials are underway globally.
- Understanding the underlying technical concepts is crucial for clinical application.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the technical concepts of cancer gene therapy protocols entering clinical practice.
- To discuss the essential components: vectors and therapeutic genes.
- To highlight the potential of gene therapy as a complementary cancer treatment.
Main Methods:
- Discussion of vector systems, focusing on retrovirus- and adenovirus-derived vectors.
- Classification of therapeutic gene applications: gene replacement, gene addition, and targeted gene expression modification.
- Review of techniques including antisense oligonucleotides and ribozymes.
Main Results:
- Retrovirus- and adenovirus-derived vectors are the most advanced for clinical use.
- Therapeutic gene strategies include replacing tumor suppressor genes, enhancing immunogenicity with cytokines, inducing suicide via prodrug genes, and targeting oncogenes with antisense or ribozymes.
- Cancer gene therapy shows significant promise.
Conclusions:
- Gene therapy utilizes vectors and therapeutic genes for cancer treatment.
- Various strategies exist for gene manipulation to combat cancer.
- Gene therapy is poised to become a vital part of multimodal cancer treatment.
Related Concept Videos
00:59Gene Therapy
02:49Cancer Therapies
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
02:57Targeted Cancer Therapies
There are several types of targeted therapies against...
01:05Cancer-Critical Genes II: Tumor Suppressor Genes
When the function of certain critical genes, especially those involved in cell cycle regulation and cell growth signaling cascades, gets disrupted, it upsets the cell cycle progression. Such cells with unchecked cell cycles start proliferating uncontrollably and eventually develop into tumors.
Such genes that act...
02:27Energy Basics