Experimental therapy for solid tumors by in situ retro viral mediated gene transfer

Abstract

Although chemotherapy play main role in treatment for cancer, gene therapy is thought to be practical approach of treatment in future. Thymidine kinase gene were delivered into proliferating cells by the retroviral mediated gene transfer system in the culture cells. Cytotoxic effect of the TK recipient GCV treated cells correlated with the growth rate of cells. The rapid proliferating tumor cell HR8348 were inhibited more efficiently than slow proliferating cells. In vivo, simultaneously introduced TK producer cells released virus particles continuously into neighboring tumor cells, GCV treatment can inhibit the growth of tumor compared with control. The inhibition also correlated the number of injected TK producer cells. 0.1 ml 100 mg/ml 795 tumor suspension and 2×106TK producer cells inoculated mice achieved 37% inhibition while 1×107 TK producer cells injection achieved 66% inhibition. The completely regression could not be achieved under this circumstance. Our results suggest TK gene transfer followed GCV treatment merit further evaluation as novel antineoplastic approach. © 1995 Chinese Journal of Cancer Research.