by Performance of Personalized Gene Therapy Treatments for Cancer
Cancer arises due to genetic mutations in the DNA of cells that cause them to grow and divide uncontrollably. Gene therapy aims to correct the genetic defects that cause cancer by delivering healthy gene copies or genomic editing tools into cancer cells. Several clinical trials are underway to evaluate if gene therapy can cure cancer or make it a chronic but manageable disease like diabetes.
Workings of Personalized Gene Therapy Treatments for Cancer
There are different approaches gene therapy is taking to fight cancer:
– Gene Replacement Therapy: This approach involves delivering healthy gene copies into cancer cells to supplement mutated or missing tumor suppressor genes that normally keep cell growth in check. Viruses modified to carry therapeutic genes are used as delivery vehicles.
– Gene-Edited Immunotherapy: Genes are edited in the patient’s own immune cells like T-cells and NK cells using CRISPR/Cas9 technology to enhance their ability to target and kill cancer cells. These gene-edited cells are then infused back into the patient to produce a sustained anti-tumor response.
– Oncolytic Viruses: Certain viruses have been genetically engineered to selectively infect and destroy cancer cells while leaving normal cells unharmed. Oncolytic viruses work by bursting open the cancer cells and triggering the immune system to eliminate any remaining tumor cells.
– Suicide Gene Therapy: A therapeutic gene is inserted into cancer cells that encodes an enzyme that converts a pro-drug into its active toxic form, selectively killing the modified cancer cells. Ifosfamide and ganciclovir are examples of pro-drugs used in this approach.
Personalized Gene Therapy Treatments for Cancer
Precisely delivering therapeutic Personalized Gene Therapy Treatments for Cancer only to tumor sites and cancer cells is crucial. Viral vectors like retroviruses, lentiviruses, adenoviruses and adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) are currently being tested and improved for targeted delivery.
Promising results have been seen with oncolytic viruses which have an inherent ability to preferentially infect and replicate within cancer cells. Nanoparticles are also emerging as an effective non-viral method for encapsulating and protecting genes until they reach the target tumor site.
Ongoing Research in Personalized Gene Therapy
Scientists are working towards developing Personalized Gene Therapy Treatments for Cancer by using molecular profiling techniques to identify genetic mutations driving each patient’s unique tumor. Clinical trials are evaluating gene therapies that correct specific mutations in cancers like melanoma, glioblastoma, CAR-T based therapies in blood cancers, and oncolytic virus therapies in solid tumors.
Promising Early Results
Some early gene therapy trials have shown responses and remissions in certain hard-to-treat cancers like metastatic melanoma, synovial sarcoma, and glioblastoma multiforme. Dendreon’s Provenge was the first FDA approved gene therapy for cancer treatment. Novartis’ Kymriah became the first gene therapy drug to gain approval for pediatric B-cell ALL.
More positive phase III trial data with gene therapies from companies like Amgen, bluebird bio and allogeneic CART therapies hold promise to revolutionize cancer treatment. However, hurdles still persist with toxicity, delivery challenges and expense of personalized therapies. Sustained long term responses will need to be demonstrated for gene therapy of cancer to fulfill its promise.
Overcoming Challenges
To realize the full potential of gene therapy for cancer, more research is still needed. Delivery methods need to improved to ensure safe and efficient delivery of therapeutic genes only to tumor cells. Immunogenicity of viral vectors has to be addressed to avoid immune rejection. Combination treatment approaches combining gene therapies with chemo, targeted therapies or immunotherapy will likely produce better results. Costs also need to come down for gene therapies to become widely accessible.
While still in its infancy, gene therapy is poised to transform cancer treatment if ongoing technical and biological challenges are overcome. As molecular profiling reveals more driver mutations and mechanisms of resistance to standard therapies, a new era of personalized gene therapies customized for individual patient’s tumors could emerge. With advancement in vector design, targeted delivery, and combination regimens gene therapy may one day become a viable cure for many cancers.
*Note:
1.Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2.We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
About Author - Money Singh
Money Singh is a seasoned content writer with over four years of experience in the market research sector. Her expertise spans various industries, including food and beverages, biotechnology, chemical and materials, defense and aerospace, consumer goods, etc. LinkedIn Profile
