Approaches to the Gene Therapy of Cancer Using Replication-Competent Oncolytic Adenoviruses

Abstract

A great deal has already been written about the potential for gene therapy in the development of novel approaches to the treatment of human cancer. The possibility of developing highly specific therapies based on the genetic alterations which take place during human tumor development seems very attractive, and in spite of the obvious technical hurdles which remain to be overcome, seems to be well worth substantial investment. Although some advances have been made in the more traditional approaches to cancer treatment, including novel surgical methods, radiation and chemotherapy, the fact remains that the overall survival in cancer patients has not improved dramatically over the past 40 years. This lack of improvement in therapeutic outcome is in stark contrast to the increase in our knowledge of the genetic events that are involved in the genesis of many human tumors. Studies on the molecular genetics of cancer have led to the identification of a relatively large number of oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes, which suffer somatic mutations resulting in gain or loss of function, respectively, during tumor initiation and progression (Balmain 1997). Much emphasis is now being placed on the translation of this knowledge of cancer genetics into practical benefits in terms of novel therapy.