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Viral vector: potential therapeutic for glioblastoma multiforme

Cancer Gene Therapy volume 27, pages 270–279 (2020)Cite this article

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Abstract

Glioblastoma multiforme is a highly malignant primary brain tumour found in adults and is highlighted as the most devastating among all the other grades of glioma. Well-established standard treatment methods, such as chemotherapy, radiation and surgery, have resulted in modest improvement in the survival of patients. Hence, the arduous search for novel treatments backed by advancements in molecular biology still persists. Glioblastoma has many distinctive characteristics, which makes it a potential candidate for gene therapy. Gene therapy involves the delivery of genetic material of therapeutic use into tumour cells, which produces a specific antitumour response. Moreover, viruses stimulate a vigorous cytotoxic effect, they are easily modifiable and the inherent property of horizontal transfer of genetic material makes them valuable tools for genetic engineering. In this review, we have enlisted the various viral vectors employed in gene therapy for glioblastoma.

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Funding

This work is supported by an extramural funding from the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India (Sanction no: BT/PR19625/MED/30/1703/2016) awarded to DS.

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  1. Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics Laboratory, Centre for Biomaterials, Cellular and Molecular Theranostics, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT) University, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, 632014, India

    Ceera Manikandan, Akshita Kaushik & Dwaipayan Sen

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Manikandan, C., Kaushik, A. & Sen, D. Viral vector: potential therapeutic for glioblastoma multiforme. Cancer Gene Ther 27, 270–279 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41417-019-0124-8

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