Conditionally replicating adenovirus-mediated gene therapy in bladder cancer: an orthotopic in vivo model.

Introduction: The effects of a conditionally replicating adenovirus on various bladder cancer lines were explored, a truncated bone sialoprotein (BSP) promoter controlling the E1a/b lytic-regulating sequence was used, since BSP protein is found in many osteotropic neoplasms, including bladder cancer.

Methods: Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction analysis was used to determine expression patterns of BSP and Coxsackie adenovirus receptor, a receptor known to interact with adenovirus, on multiple lines of bladder cancer (253J, 253J B-V, RT4, transitional cell carcinoma, T24, UMUC3, and WH). Ad-BSP-E1a was tested in vitro for lytic activity on 4 of these cell lines. The 253J B-V cell line was used and inoculated into female nude mice either subcutaneously in the flank or orthotopically into the bladder, and treated with control or Ad-BSP-E1a virus.

Results: BSP is expressed in RT4, transitional cell carcinoma, and WH. Meanwhile, Coxsackie adenovirus receptor was expressed in all lines except T24. Ad-BSP-E1a had the most impact on 253J and 253J B-V cells; cell density declined significantly when compared to phosphate-buffered saline and Ad-BSP-TK "dummy" virus-treatment groups. The 253J B-V tumors treated with Ad-BSP-E1a revealed a decreased percent change of size in the subcutaneous model when compared to controls at week 3. The orthotopic murine model showed decreased end tumor mass in the Ad-BSP-E1a treated group over controls. Histologic examination of in vivo tumors showed evidence of fibrosis and apoptosis in the Ad-BSP-E1a treated groups using hematoxylin-eosin, trichrome, and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick end-labeling (TUNEL) staining. Control groups only had viable tumor in in vivo models.

Conclusion: Adenovirus therapy of orthotopic murine bladder tumors is feasible. Ad-BSP-E1a is effective in treating very aggressive yet sensitive bladder tumor cells. Further study of this conditionally replicating adenovirus treatment (Ad-BSP-E1a) with chemotherapeutic combination is warranted, and future translation of such combination therapy into human beings is a possibility.