Review

Gene Therapy (2004) 11, 497–503. doi:10.1038/sj.gt.3302238 Published online 5 February 2004

Gene Therapy Progress and Prospects: cancer gene therapy using tumour suppressor genes

IA McNeish1, SJ Bell1 and NR Lemoine1

1Cancer Research UK Molecular Oncology Unit, Imperial College School of Medicine, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK

Correspondence: Dr IA McNeish, Cancer Research UK Molecular Oncology Unit, MRC Cyclotron Building, Hammersmith Hospital, London W12 0HS, UK

Received 22 September 2003; Accepted 19 December 2003; Published online 5 February 2004.

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Abstract

Targeting tumour suppressor gene pathways is an attractive therapeutic strategy in cancer. Since the first clinical trial took place in 1996, at least 20 other trials have investigated the possibility of restoring p53 function, either alone or in combination with chemotherapy, but with limited success. Other recent clinical trials have sought to harness abnormalities in the p53 pathway to permit tumour-selective replication of adenoviral vectors such as dl1520 (Onyx-015). Other tumour suppressor genes, such as retinoblastoma (Rb) and PTEN (phosphatase, tensin homologue, deleted on chromosome 10), are the targets for imminent clinical trials, while microarray technologies are revealing multiple new genes that are potential targets for future gene therapy.

Keywords:

tumour suppressor gene, p53, Rb, PTEN, cinical trial

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