Antiangiogenic Gene Therapy Shows Promise in Treating Ovarian Cancer

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Researchers at the University of Kuopio in Finland have discovered that combining antiangiogenic gene therapy may be a potential approach for treating ovarian cancer. The study, published in Molecular Therapy, involved the use of soluble forms of vascular endothelial growth factor receptors (VEGFRs) to inhibit the growth of tumors in mice. The results showed that the combined therapy significantly reduced tumor growth and increased survival time compared to controls.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study involved the use of three different antiangiogenic gene therapy approaches: sVEGFR-1 (sFlt-1), sVEGFR-2 (sFlk-1/KDR), and sVEGFR-3 (sFlt-4).
  • The researchers used a combination of gene transfer and adenovirus-mediated gene transfer to deliver the therapy to the mice.
  • The study showed that the combined antiangiogenic gene therapy significantly reduced tumor growth and increased survival time compared to controls.
  • The researchers concluded that the combined therapy is a potential approach for treating ovarian cancer patients.
  • The study involved 55 mice (Balb/c-Anu) and was performed using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to assess tumor growth and effectiveness.

Statistics:

  • The study involved 55 mice (Balb/c-Anu).
  • The combined antiangiogenic gene therapy reduced tumor growth by 50% compared to controls (P).
  • The survival time of mice treated with the combined therapy was significantly increased compared to controls.
  • The study used a combination of three different antiangiogenic gene therapy approaches.

Sources:

  • Sallinen and colleagues, "Antiangiogenic Gene Therapy With Soluble VEGFR-1,-2, and-3 Reduces the Growth of Solid Human Ovarian Carcinoma in Mice. Molecular Therapy, 2009; 17(2):278-284.
  • Molecular Therapy, published by Nature Publishing Group, 75 Varick St., 9TH Flr, New York, NY 10013-1917, USA.