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Combining a targeted radiotherapy and gene therapy approach for adenocarcinoma of prostate

Prostate Cancer and Prostatic Diseases volume 7, pages 355–363 (2004)Cite this article

Abstract

A targeted radiotherapy/gene therapy approach for prostate cancer, using the radiopharmaceutical [131I]meta-iodobenzylguanidine ([131I]MIBG), would restrict the effects of radiotherapy to malignant cells, thereby increasing efficacy and decreasing morbidity of radiotherapy. Prostate cancer cells were transfected with a transgene encoding the noradrenaline transporter (NAT) under the control of tumour-specific telomerase promoters, enabling them to actively take up [131I]MIBG. This led to tumour-specific cell kill. This strategy has the advantage of generating a radiological bystander effect, leading to the destruction of neighbouring tumour cells that have escaped transfection. This targeted approach could be a promising tumour-specific treatment option for prostate cancer.

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Acknowledgements

This project was supported by the British Urological Foundation (BUF/Sanofi-Synthelabo Scholarship 2001/2002) and by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow (Ian Sunter Charitable Trust Research Fellowship 2003). Additional funding was obtained from CR UK, Glasgow University School for Cancer Studies, NHS Scotland and the Urology Cancer Urology Cancer Research Fund 1122, Gartnavel General Hospital, Glasgow. We thank Amersham for providing [131I]MIBG.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Centre for Oncology & Applied Pharmacology, University of Glasgow, Cancer Research UK Beatson Laboratories, Glasgow, UK

    N E Fullerton, M Boyd, R J Mairs, W N Keith, O Alderwish, M M Brown & A Livingstone

  2. Department of Urology, Gartnavel General Hospital, Glasgow, UK

    N E Fullerton, O Alderwish, M M Brown & D Kirk

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  1. N E Fullerton
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  2. M Boyd
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  3. R J Mairs
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  4. W N Keith
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  7. A Livingstone
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  8. D Kirk
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Correspondence to N E Fullerton.

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Fullerton, N., Boyd, M., Mairs, R. et al. Combining a targeted radiotherapy and gene therapy approach for adenocarcinoma of prostate. Prostate Cancer Prostatic Dis 7, 355–363 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.pcan.4500760

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