Description:
Reference Number:
Background
Cancer is still a leading cause of death worldwide – accounting for about 13%
of all deaths. Molecular chemotherapy - the delivery of toxic genes to tumour
cells - can be highly effective in the treatment of cancer, but there is a
problem with specificity and selectivity in gene delivery. Hence, there is a
real need for effective targeted systems to deliver the cytotoxic DNA
specifically to the tumour. Current gene delivery systems provide only low
levels of protein expression and, in the case of viruses, have been associated
with significant problems. Non-viral delivery systems tend to remain in the lung
after intravenous administration, reaching neither the liver nor the intended
organ for treatment.
Technology
Researchers at the University of Strathclyde have identified a technique for
delivering genes to hard-to-reach tumours without harming healthy tissue. During
lab tests the "seek-and-destroy" therapy resulted in 90% of skin cancer tumours
disappearing altogether. The team is now investigating the technique's
effectiveness at treating different forms of the disease. At present, most gene
therapies cannot be delivered to tumours without harming surrounding healthy
tissue. The Strathclyde-led team investigated ways of doing so with the use of
the plasma protein transferrin, which carries iron through the blood. Carrier
proteins for transferrin are often found in large amounts in cancers. During
initial tests on skin cancer cells, it was found that the treatment led to a
rapid and sustained regression of the tumours over one month, without any
apparent signs of toxicity. In 90% of cases, the tumours disappeared
altogether.
Key Benefits
- Delivers therapeutic genes efficiently and selectively to tumours
- Leaves healthy cells unaffected
- Fewer side-effects than traditional chemotherapy
Markets and Applications
Licensing and Development
This technology is protected by a patent application filed by the University
of Strathclyde. Contact is welcomed from organisations interested in developing,
licensing or exploiting this technology.
For further information, please contact Research & Knowledge Exchange
Services:
e: rkes@strath.ac.uk t: 0141 548 3707 f: 0141 552
4409