Thursday, November 18, 2010

Gene therapy for metastatic melanoma in mice produces complete remission

Christopher E. Touloukian, M.D., is an assistant professor of surgery and immunology at the Indiana University School of Medicine

A potent anti-tumor gene introduced into mice with metastatic melanoma has resulted in permanent immune reconfiguration and produced a complete remission of their cancer, according to an article to be published in the December 2010 issue of the Journal of Clinical Investigation. The online version is now available.

Indiana University School of Medicine researchers used a modified lentivirus to introduce a potent anti-melanoma T cell receptor gene into the hematopoietic stem cells of mice. Hematopoietic stem cells are the bone marrow cells that produce all blood and immune system cells.

The T cell gene, which recognizes a specific protein found on the surface of melanoma, was isolated and cloned from a patient with melanoma. The gene-modified stems cells were then transplanted back into hosts and found to eradicate metastatic melanoma for the lifetime of the mice.

"We found that the transplantation of gene-modified hematopoietic stem cells results in a new host immune system and the complete elimination of tumor," reported Christopher E. Touloukian, M.D., an assistant professor of surgery and immunology at the IU School of Medicine and a member of the Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Cancer Center. "To date, cancer immunotherapies have been hampered by limited and diminishing immune responses over time. We believe this type of translational model opens new doors for patients with melanoma and potentially other cancers by taking advantage of the potent regenerative capacity of hematopoietic stem cells and new advances in gene therapy."

This research was funded by a National Institutes of Health grant.

... In 2010, more than 68,000 patients will be diagnosed with melanoma and the disease will be associated with approximately 9,000 deaths. ...

via Gene therapy for metastatic melanoma in mice produces complete remission.

Go gene therapy! Mouse cancer cured for life!  Cool.  Human trials? Expected in "late 2011" according to this:
According to Christopher E. Touloukian, M.D., an assistant professor of surgery and immunology at the Indiana University School of Medicine where the study was conducted, "To date, cancer immunotherapies have been hampered by limited and diminishing immune responses over time. We believe this type of translational model opens new doors for patients with melanoma and potentially other cancers by taking advantage of the potent regenerative capacity of hematopoietic stem cells and new advances in gene therapy."

The scientists used a modified lentivirus to introduce the T-cell receptor gene into the stem cells of mice that was cloned from a patient with melanoma. Touloukian says, “We found that the transplantation of gene-modified hematopoietic stem cells results in a new host immune system and the complete elimination of tumor." ... J Clin Invest. doi:10.1172/JCI43274

via emaxhealth

A Phase I trial is expected, beginning late 2011 that will recruit 12 patient. Immunotherapy has created exciting options for patients with melanoma

3 comments:

Mirlen101 said...

Wow sounds good ! I hope this doesn't fall by the wayside and end up just hype like all the other cancer therapies and supposed cures . There has been so many supposed advances that don't seem to lead to anything real .With the trillions of dollars fed into cancer research it amazes me how little they have done to fight cancer ! But the system pays those that put out hype not those that have a successful cure . It goes like this > if you have a potential therapy for a particular disease that enables a company to make a profit from peoples entire lifetime, then you are an asset to the company and you get paid a salary . If you find a cure you don't get anything and you could potentially lose your job ! The company gets the profit .You reach the end of your funding or possibly your salary ! Your job is most secure as long as you can convince people and the company you have a potentially beneficial product . Basically you are paid by potential , not outcome ( hype not success ).

Xeno said...

Unfortunately, I think you are 100% correct about this. The best hope is that they let the development go to fruition because they want to save themselves, then they squash it as you say.... But THEN Wikileaks releases the formula and renegade labs make it and cure thousands of cases of diagnosed cancer. The media, after doing their best to suppress it, finally breaks the story, then there is a drug company regime change... Just in time for something to take cancer's place. Good movie idea, eh? Just needs a title, some Harrison Ford, and some explosions.

Mirlen101 said...

I really don't think they are trying that hard . Once they get funding most go on auto pilot . If someone notices that they have made no real progress they come out with some supposed advancement . Just enough to keep them funded or salaried . Look at most researchers who have had supposed breakthroughs . Then look at what advancements they have made ten years later . You will find most have gotten no where . But some have still been getting funding.If you deal with institutions that are the hub of research in any disease you will find an institution that makes their number one priority pulling in money and pocketing most of it. If they were judged on real results . No one would give them money .If you gave me a billion I guarantee I would find a cure ;-) No really ! give me a billion ! I'll be waiting for the check in the mail ;-)