Stem Cells Deliver Gene Therapy to Bone Tumors in Preclinical
Test Targeted approach could minimize side effects while
reducing tumor growthM. D. Anderson News Release 12/08/08
Researchers from The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer
Center have potentially found a way to use stem cells to deliver
a gene therapy that fights pediatric bone tumors. The
preclinical study in mice could lead to a therapy that avoids
systemic toxicity from chemotherapy by directly targeting the
tumor. The study, published in the latest issue of Cancer,
tested mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from mouse bone marrow to
see if they could deliver the gene therapy, interleukin-12
(IL-12), directly to Ewing's sarcoma tumors. The stem cells were
infused with the IL-12 gene and then administered intravenously
into the mouse. A series of experiments confirmed that the stem
cells delivered IL-12 to the tumor and that the gene therapy
significantly inhibited tumor growth. Eugenie Kleinerman, M.D.,
division head for the Children's Cancer Ho