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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 (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.
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.
How Does Gene Therapy Work? | Esco Scientific. www.escolifesciences.com/resources/how-gene-therapy-work.
The Revolutionary Advances in Cancer Research | Esco Scientific. www.escolifesciences.com/resources/breaking-barriers-the-revolutionary-advances-in-cancer-research.
Belete, Tafere Mulaw. “The Current Status of Gene Therapy for the Treatment of Cancer.” Biologics: Targets and Therapy, 18 Mar. 2021, www.dovepress.com/the-current-status-of-gene-therapy-for-the-treatment-of-cancer-peer-reviewed-fulltext-article-BTT.
“What Is Cancer Cell and Gene Therapy?” Alliance for Cancer Gene Therapy, acgtfoundation.org/for-patients/what-is-cancer-cell-and-gene-therapy/.
Büşra Cesur-Ergün, and Devrim Demir Dora. “Gene Therapy in Cancer.” Journal of Gene Medicine, 24 June 2023, https://doi.org/10.1002/jgm.3550.