Nanoparticulate Gene Therapy of Ovarian Cancer Aces Preclinical Trial

[Rich66]

Nanoparticulate Gene Therapy of Ovarian Cancer Aces Preclinical Trial 8/21/2009

Newly published findings of a preclinical test in mice, conducted at three US centers using nanoscale therapeutics, have offered new hope for patients with advanced ovarian cancer. The study called for tumor-bearing animals to receive a suicide gene, delivered by way of nanoparticles. For targeting purposes, two genes actively expressed by ovarian cancers (MSLN and HE4) served as markers. The test mice ultimately fared significantly better than controls given cisplatin and paclitaxel. Tumor bulk was notably reduced and life span was prolonged by comparison. DNA encoding a diptheria toxin constituted the payload of these nanoparticles, which were administered via direct tumor injection and intraperitoneal infusion. Aside from demonstrable success in suppressing tumor growth, the investigators were also greatly encouraged by the generally inconsequential nature of related side effects. They thus anticipate that clinical trials of this therapy in humans could be a mere 18 months away.