How to Use Gene Therapy to Treat Cancer

Gene therapy targets the underlying genetic mechanisms driving tumor growth and proliferation for cancer treatment by introducing foreign genetic material into host tissues to modify gene expression. Initially developed to address genetic disorders, gene-based therapies have expanded their scope to include a wide range of acquired and inherited diseases, with cancer being a major focus of research and development.

Cancer is a complex and pervasive disease arising from the disruption of normal cellular processes governing cell proliferation and apoptosis. In healthy tissues, cells undergo regulated division and programmed cell death (apoptosis) to maintain tissue homeostasis. However, when genetic mutations or environmental factors disturb these regulatory mechanisms, cells can evade growth control, leading to uncontrolled formation of tumors. This growth results in the development of malignant tumors, which can invade surrounding tissues and spread to distant parts of the body, a process known as metastasis.

Gene-based Therapies for Cancer Treatment

Traditional treatments like chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery, while effective, can harm healthy cells and lead to side effects. Gene therapies utilize the immune system's strength to fight cancer, offering potential for long-term remission and cancer-free living.

1. Immuno-Gene Therapy

Immuno-gene therapy uses the immune system to target and destroy cancer cells. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy modifies a patient's T cells with a chimeric antigen receptor specific to tumor-associated antigens, enhancing their ability to recognize and eliminate cancer cells. Kymriah is the first FDA-approved therapy for leukemia.

2. Oncolytic Virotherapy (OV)

Oncolytic virotherapy uses viruses that target tumor cells selectively. These viruses, whether natural or modified, are designed to be safer and less harmful. They work by killing tumor cells directly and can even fix genetic faults like the p53 gene, which is often abnormal in cancers.

3. Rexin-G

Rexin-G is the first approved injectable vector for managing metastatic cancers. It's a retroviral vector that targets abnormal signature proteins in tumor cells. Once inside, Rexin-G blocks the cell cycle, causing cancer cell apoptosis.

4. Anti-Angiogenic Gene Therapy

Anti-Angiogenic gene therapy targets tumor-driven angiogenesis, which is essential for supplying oxygen and nutrients to cancer cells. Down-regulating pro-angiogenic factors like VEGF and up-regulating anti-angiogenic factors such as angiostatin and endostatin inhibits the formation of new blood vessels within tumors, limiting their growth and metastasis.

5. Suicide Gene Therapy

Suicide gene therapy involves introducing viral or bacterial genes into malignant cells, which metabolize non-toxic prodrugs into cytotoxic compounds. These selectively target cancer cells for destruction while sparing healthy tissues.

Challenges in gene therapy still remain, such as improving delivery systems, managing immune responses, ensuring long-term safety, and addressing costs and accessibility. Despite these challenges, gene therapy is advancing cancer treatment by targeting genetic causes and boosting the body's defenses against cancer.

Biological Safety Cabinets

Biological Safety Cabinets (BSCs) protect the operators and keep genetic materials and cultures free from contaminants. Esco BSCs take contamination protection to the next level by using ULPA filters, DC-ECM blower, anti-microbial coating, and cGMP-inspired interior.

AC2-4S9-NS G4	LA2-4S9 G4

• DC-ECM blower with high energy efficiency ensures a stable airflow, contributing to operator safety and maintaining an aseptic environment for cell culture.
• ULPA filter creates a cleaner ISO Class 3 work zone, effectively preventing gene contamination.
• The large performance envelope offers the widest margin for both operator safety and gene protection.
• Antimicrobial coating contains silver ions that reduces bioburden and effectively prevents contamination in cell culture.
• The raised armrest allows for comfortable placement of arms without obstructing the grille, preserving the air barrier and ensuring efficient airflow.
• The one-piece interior wall with curved corners facilitates easy cleaning of residues from gene therapy processing.
• The centered and angled-down controller is designed for easy operation from a sitting position.
• UV decontamination is used to inactivate random nucleic acid contaminants, ensuring a clean environment for gene therapy processes.

CO₂ Incubators

CO₂ incubators play a critical role in maintaining the optimal environment necessary for the growth of mammalian cells used in gene therapy research. These incubators are specially designed to mimic the physiological conditions that cells experience within the human body, ensuring their survival, growth, and functionality.

CCL-B	CCL-SS

• Direct heating facilitates rapid temperature recovery within ≤5 minutes, while the air jacket provides isolation against ambient temperature fluctuations, ensuring stable conditions for gene therapy processes.
• VentiFlow™ forced convection system ensures excellent uniformity of CO₂ levels, humidity, and temperature, creating optimal conditions for gene therapy processes.
• The ULPA filter is 10 times more efficient than a HEPA filter, transforming the chamber into an ISO Class 5 environment within 11 minutes of the door being closed.
• An advanced heat-resistant Infrared (IR) CO₂ sensor is used, unaffected by water vapor, pressure, or temperature variations, unlike the TC sensor.
• Validated 90°C moist heat decontamination achieves a Log 6 kill for effective sterilization.
• Interior components with rounded corners are easy to remove, allowing for quick and thorough surface decontamination.
• The user-friendly control panel features a large temperature and CO₂ display, along with an LCD screen for easy navigation through the menu.