Direct gene transfer of a plasmid carrying the herpes simplex virus-thymidine kinase gene (HSV-TK) in transplanted murine melanoma: in vivo study.

Abstract

The aim of the study was to use a virus-free system to transfer the Herpes Simplex Virus-thymidine kinase (HSV-TK) gene in mice bearing melanoma tumours. B16 F1 murine melanoma cells were injected subcutaneously. On days 11 and 14, an intratumoral injection of either naked plasmid containing the HSV-TK gene (pAG0) or pAG0-lipofectamine complexes was given. Ganciclovir (120 mg/kg/day) was given for 5 days starting on day 14. Tumour weight reduction (40-50%) was observed in treated animals versus different control groups. Moreover, histopathological analysis on tumours showed large areas of cavitary necrosis (85%) in treated groups compared to controls (10%). Using a simple and safe method, the results presented here demonstrated that virus-free mediated delivery of the HSV-TK gene is efficient in vivo in murine malignant melanoma.

• Authors: C Soubrane, R Mouawad, O Rixe, V Calvez, A Ghoumari, O Verola, M Weil, D Khayat
• Journal: European journal of cancer (Oxford, England : 1990) (Eur J Cancer) Vol. 32A Issue 4 Pg. 691-5 (Apr 1996) ISSN: 0959-8049 [Print] England
• PMID: 8695274 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Viral Structural Proteins
• Thymidine Kinase

Topics

• Animals
• Gene Transfer Techniques
• Genes, Viral (genetics)
• Genetic Vectors
• Male
• Melanoma, Experimental (genetics, therapy)
• Mice
• Mice, Inbred C57BL
• Simplexvirus (genetics)
• Thymidine Kinase (genetics, therapeutic use)
• Viral Structural Proteins (genetics)