Gene Therapy |
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Various forms of gene therapy are being investigated for use in the treatment of malignant mesothelioma; some predict gene therapy will be a key approach to treatment in future. Suicide gene therapy involves genetic manipulation of a virus (such as a common cold virus) so that tumor cells invaded by the virus become susceptible to antiviral drugs and/or to the body's own immune system. This type of gene therapy is useful in localized tumors and has been trialed with some success in early malignant mesothelioma.
The University of Pennsylvania Cancer Center has been awarded a grant from the National Cancer Institute to fund a gene therapy trial. For additional information, contact:
- Joseph A. Treat, MD
- Phone: 215-662-7711
- University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine
There is also a clinical trial of a slightly different gene therapy at the Louisiana State University Medical Center. For additional information, contact:
- Paul Schwarzenberger, MD
- Phone: 504-585-4017
- LSU Medical Center
