Malignant brain tumors are responsible for a significant amount of deaths in children and
adults. Even with advances in surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy, many patients
diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor survive only months to weeks.
In an attempt to improve the prognosis for these patients, researchers have developed a new
approach to brain tumor therapy. This approach makes use of DNA technology to transfer genes
sensitive to therapy into the cells of the tumor.
Infections with the herpes simplex virus can cause cold sores in the area of the mouth. A
drug called ganciclovir (Cytovene) can kill the virus. Ganciclovir is effective because the
herpes virus contains a gene (Herpes-Thymidine Kinase TK gene) that is sensitive to the drug.
Researchers have been able to separate this gene from the virus.
Using DNA technology, researchers hope to transfer and implant the TK gene into tumor cells
making them sensitive to ganciclovir. In theory, giving patients ganciclovir will kill all
tumor cells that have the TK gene incorporated into them.
Phase:
Phase 1
Details
Lead Sponsor:
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)