LEADING ARTICLE
Can immunotherapy by gene transfer tip the balance against colorectal cancer?
S M TODRYK Laboratory of Molecular Therapy,Imperial Cancer Research Fund Molecular Oncology Unit,Imperial College School of Medicine,Hammersmith Hospital, London W12 0NN, UK
H PANDHA Laboratory of Molecular Pathology,Imperial Cancer Research Fund Molecular Oncology Unit,Imperial College School of Medicine,Hammersmith Hospital, London W12 0NN, UK
Correspondence to: Dr Stephen Todryk (email:
s.todryk{at}icrf.icnet.uk).
Gene therapy, in particular the transfer of genes encoding
immunostimulatory molecules (cytokines and costimulatory molecules) as well as selectively cytotoxic enzymes and DNA vaccination, has the
potential of enhancing cell mediated immune responses against tumours
including those of colorectal origin. Genes can be transferred using
viral vectors either to cultured tumour cells in vitro that can be
returned to the patient as a "cancer vaccine", or directly to
tumour cells in vivo. Vaccination with DNA constructs expressing
specific tumour antigens characteristic of colorectal neoplasia can
trigger immune recognition and destruction of tumour cells. The aim is
to tip the balance from protumour to antitumour mechanisms by
generating a local immune response and systemic antitumour immune
memory to destroy metastases. Studies in murine models, combined with
human studies, show that such approaches could become an adjunct to
current treatments for human colorectal cancer in the near
future.
(GUT 1998;43:445-449)
© 1998 by Gut
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