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. • 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. 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.