Gene Therapy Breakthrough for Chemo-Radiation Resistant Esophageal Cancer
Scientists from the Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine have made a landmark discovery of the efficacy of gene transfer therapy on esophageal cancer patients- with results indicatings that this treatment method is effective in combating the chemo-radiation resistant cancer cells in patients suffering from esophageal cancer. Tokyo, Japan; Melbourne, Australia (PRWEB) March 17, 2006 — Scientists from the Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine have made a landmark discovery of the efficacy of gene transfer therapy on esophageal cancer patients. The researchers unveil their findings in a study entitled “A Phase I/II Adenoviral p53 Gene Therapy for Chemoradiation Resistant Advanced Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma”, in the latest issue of Cancer Science journal. Published by Blackwell Publishing, in partnership with the Japanese Cancer Association; the study looks at the feasibility, safety, biologic activity and therapeutic efficacy of this method of gene transfer in patients suffering from chemoradiation resistant advanced esophageal cancer. Noted Dr. Hideaki Shimada, co-author of the article and a key player in this research exercise, “This was the first clinical experience in the world to evaluate the safety and efficacy of p53 gene therapy for esophageal carcinoma”. Researchers administered four-dose levels of Ad5CMV-p53 via intra-tumoral injection on days one and three of a 28-day cycle in eligible patients- up to five cycles; and discovered that multiple administration of the course proved feasible and well tolerated in patients. The PCR analyses done further revealed that this gene transfer and p53 specific transgene expression had resulted in a reduction of esophageal cancer cells, and the activation of downstream genes. Results of this study indicates that intra-tumoral injection of Ad5CMV-p53 is effective in combating the chemo-radiation resistant cancer cells in patients suffering from esophageal squamous cell carcinoma- localising the anti-tumour effects. The study suggests further evaluation of the combination of p53 gene therapy and chemo-radiation therapy for locally advanced esophageal cancer; as a probable method of improving reaction rates in patients. This study is published in the March issue of the Cancer Science journal. Media wishing to receive a PDF, please contact e-mail protected from spam bots About Japanese Cancer Association The Japanese Cancer Association (JCA) is the oldest and the largest organization in Japan focused on every aspect of high-quality, innovative cancer research. JCA was founded in 1941 and has 16,000 members all from the universities, hospitals, governmental and private research organizations throughout Japan. JCA publishes Cancer Science and hold an annual meeting, conference, and symposiums. For more information, please visit www.jca.gr.jp About Blackwell Publishing Blackwell Publishing is the world’s leading society publisher, partnering with 665 academic and professional societies. Blackwell publishes over 800 journals and, to date has published close to 6,000 books, across a wide range of academic, medical, and professional subjects. The company remains independent with 950 staff members in offices in the US, UK, Australia, China, Denmark, Singapore, Germany, and Japan. Blackwell’s mission as an expert publisher is to create long-term partnerships with clients to enhance learning, disseminate research, and improve the quality of professional practice. For more information on Blackwell Publishing, please visit www.blackwellpublishing.com or www.blackwell-synergy.com.
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