Tumor targeted gene therapy.
- Author:
Joo Hyun KANG
1
Author Information
1. Laboratory of Nuclear Medicine, Korea Institute of Radiological and Medical Science, Seoul, Korea. kang2325@kcch.re.kr
- Publication Type:Review
- Keywords:
gene therapy;
PET imaging;
prodrug therapy;
suicidal gene therapy;
tumor targeting
- MeSH:
Cytosine Deaminase;
Genes, vif;
Genetic Therapy*;
Herpesvirus 1, Human;
Nuclear Medicine;
Oncogenes;
Thymidine Kinase
- From:Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging
2006;40(5):237-242
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
Knowledge of molecular mechanisms governing malignant transformation brings new opportunities for therapeutic intervention against cancer using novel approaches. One of them is gene therapy based on the transfer of genetic material to an organism with the aim of correcting a disease. The application of gene therapy to the cancer treatment has led to the development of new experimental approaches such as suicidal gene therapy, inhibition of oncogenes and restoration of tumor-suppressor genes. Suicidal gene therapy is based on the expression in tumor cells of a gene encoding an enzyme that converts a prodrug into a toxic product. Representative suicidal genes are Herpes simplex virus type 1 thymidine kinase (HSV1-tk) and cytosine deaminase (CD). Especially, physicians and scientists of nuclear medicine field take an interest in suicidal gene therapy because they can monitor the location and magnitude, and duration of expression of HSV1-tk and CD by PET scanner.
