Gene Therapy in Animal Model, Completely Suppresses Growth of Ovarian Cancer

In a mouse model of ovarian cancer, researchers at the University Of Pittsburgh School Of Medicine have used gene therapy to either completely abolish or significantly inhibit tumor progression.

These findings, the researchers believe, may significantly improve the prognosis for ovarian cancer patients. The gene therapy involved treatment with a genetically engineered vaccinia virus containing a gene coding cytosine deaminase (a suicide gene).

While current treatments for ovarian cancer are fairly harsh, vaccinia vectors (with their tumor selectivity and cancer killing potential) that express recombinant gene products, represents a potent, non-toxic alternative for treating this deadly disease.

Read more at UPMC News.