Combining a nanotech method of getting genes inside cancer cells
with genetic engineering of a potent suicide gene driven by
control signals that are very active only in cancer cells
effectively killed cell lines derived from pancreatic cancer, a
deadly cancer for which there is currently no effective
treatment. From Thomas Jefferson University, via AAAS EurekAlert
“Jefferson scientists deliver toxic genes to effectively kill
pancreatic cancer cells“: A research team, led by investigators
at the Department of Surgery at Jefferson Medical College of
Thomas Jefferson University and the Kimmel Cancer Center at
Jefferson, has achieved a substantial “kill” of pancreatic
cancer cells by using nanoparticles to successfully deliver a
deadly diphtheria toxin gene. The findings — set to be published
in the October issue of Cancer Biology & Therapy [abstract] —
reflect the first time this unique strategy has been tested in
pancreatic cancer cells, and the success seen offers promise for
future pre-clinical animal studie