Abstract
This review first summarizes the different strategies of gene therapy of cancer and then focuses on the immunological approach. Several studies in animal models with cytokine gene-transduced tumor cells indicate that local cytokine release usually results in tumor growth inhibition. Moreover, in a number of cases vaccination with such cells can reduce growth of established tumors or even cure the tumor-bearing animals. Translation of such a principle in human clinical setting is reported. We have transduced human melanoma cells with gents coding for interleukin (IL)-2, IL-4 or B7-1 and characterized such lines. The phenotype did not change after gene insertion but the functional, immunostimulatory activity of IL-2 or B7-1 gene-transduced melanoma cells was significantly increased compared to that of parental lines. These lines were then used to vaccinate melanoma patients. Preliminary results of trials with IL-2 gene-transduced cells are presented which indicate a weak clinical response and the activation of a melanoma-specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte response in a low percentage of patients.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 305-309 |
Number of pages | 5 |
Journal | Folia Biologica |
Volume | 42 |
Issue number | 6 |
Publication status | Published - 1996 |
Keywords
- Cytokines
- Gene therapy
- Tumors
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Agricultural and Biological Sciences(all)
- Agricultural and Biological Sciences (miscellaneous)