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Gene therapy for malignant pleural mesothelioma
D H Sterman1, L R Kaiser, S M Albelda
1Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Health System, Philadelphia, USA.
Hematology/Oncology Clinics of North America
|July 31, 1998
Summary
This study shows that intrapleural gene therapy using a recombinant adenovirus carrying the herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase gene followed by ganciclovir is safe and effective for malignant mesothelioma patients.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Gene Therapy
- Viral Vector Technology
Background:
- Malignant mesothelioma (MM) is a rare but aggressive cancer with limited treatment options.
- Current therapies for MM often show limited efficacy, necessitating novel treatment strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety and efficacy of intrapleural gene therapy using a recombinant adenovirus carrying the herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase (HSVtk) gene in patients with MM.
- To assess the feasibility of intratumoral gene transfer and its combination with ganciclovir (GCV).
Main Methods:
- Phase I clinical trial involving intrapleural delivery of AD.RSVtk.
- Systematic treatment with ganciclovir (GCV) for 14 days post-gene transfer.
- Assessment of gene transfer efficiency and patient tolerance.
Main Results:
- The AD.RSVtk/GCV gene therapy was well tolerated by patients.
- Significant gene transfer was observed, particularly at higher vector doses.
- Elimination of the need for preliminary biopsy was noted.
Conclusions:
- Intrapleural gene therapy with AD.RSVtk/GCV is a safe and potentially effective treatment modality for malignant mesothelioma.
- The approach demonstrates successful gene transfer and warrants further investigation in larger trials.
- This strategy represents a promising advancement in the treatment of refractory MM.