Ovarian cancer targeted adenoviral-mediated mda-7/IL-24 gene therapy.

Objective: We have previously shown that adenoviral-mediated melanoma differentiation-associated gene-7 (Ad.mda-7) therapy induces apoptosis in ovarian cancer cells. However, the apoptosis induction was low and directly correlated with infectivity of Ad.

Identification of sites in adenovirus hexon for foreign peptide incorporation.

Adenovirus type 5 (Ad5) is one of the most promising vectors for gene therapy applications. Genetic engineering of Ad5 capsid proteins has been employed to redirect vector tropism, to enhance infectivity, or to circumvent preexisting host immunity. As the most abundant capsid protein, hexon modification is particularly attractive.

A novel ex vivo model system for evaluation of conditionally replicative adenoviruses therapeutic efficacy and toxicity.

Purpose: Current animal tumor models are inadequate for the evaluation of toxicity and efficacy of conditionally replicative adenoviruses. A novel model system is needed that will provide insight into the anticipated therapeutic index of conditionally replicative adenoviruses preclinically. We endeavored to show a novel model system, which involves ex vivo evaluation of conditionally replicative adenovirus toxicity and therapeutic efficacy in thin, precision-cut slices of human primary tumor and liver.

Infectivity enhanced adenoviral-mediated mda-7/IL-24 gene therapy for ovarian carcinoma.

Objective: Melanoma differentiation associated gene-7 [mda-7/Interleukin (IL)-24] has been identified as a novel anti-cancer agent, which specifically induces apoptosis in cancer cells but not in normal epithelial, endothelial and fibroblast cells. The objective of this study was to evaluate the anti-tumor effect of adenovirus-mediated mda-7/IL-24 (Ad.mda-7) gene therapy in ovarian carcinoma and further improve anti-tumor effect by enhancing infectivity of Ad.

Transcriptional blocks limit adenoviral replication in primary ovarian tumor.

Purpose: Despite the success of conditionally replicating adenoviruses in tumor models, clinical success has been limited when they are used as a single modality agent. Overcoming the disparity in efficacy between in vivo animal models and human use is a key hurdle for better conditionally replicating adenovirus therapy in humans. We endeavored to identify biological blocks to adenoviral infection and replication in tumor cells.

Intravenous delivery of adenovirus-mediated soluble FLT-1 results in liver toxicity.

Purpose: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a potent angiogenic agent and plays a major role in tumor growth and metastases. We have previously reported the locoregional (i.p.