Novel Targeted Gene Therapy for Cancers
Scientists from University of Pittsburgh have developed a novel approach to target cancer cells through the insertion of a “suicide gene” (HSV1-tk) into key gene fusion areas of the cancer genome.
Description
Targeting gene fusion points remains an elusive goal in cancer therapy. This novel approach can insert HSV1-tk at specific fusion points and could lead to improved survival in cancer patients through initiation of cell death or metastasis inhibition, personalized to each patient’s unique cancer.Advantages
• Research has identified a panel of fusion genes present in various cancers including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)• Using a tailored Cas9-based genome editing approach it is possible to selectively insert the gene HSV1-tk to the fusion point
• Creation of this unique breakpoint, present only in cancer tissue provides a target for therapeutic intervention which is less likely to result in drug resistance through gene mutation
• This approach has been studied in TMEM135-CCDC67 in human prostate cancer highlighting this potential of genome editing to provide a genotype-specific approach to treat various cancers.