Electroporation Enhances Anti-Tumor Efficacy of Chemotherapy and Gene Therapy

Strategic Insights -

Combining electroporation with chemotherapy and interleukin 12 (IL-12) plasmid DNA has been shown to be a highly effective treatment strategy for various types of spontaneous cancers, including large, refractory, and multiple tumor burdens. This approach, known as electro-chemo-gene therapy (ECGT), has been demonstrated to induce a strong anti-tumor immune response and effectively treat tumors in canines.

Key Takeaways:

  • ECGT with IL-12 pDNA and chemotherapy is a safe and effective treatment strategy for multiple types of spontaneous cancers, including large, refractory, and multiple tumor burdens.
  • Thirteen canine patients were enrolled in the study and received multiple cycles of ECGT with IL-12 pDNA and either bleomycin or gemcitabine.
  • ECGT treatments are effective for inducing tumor regression via an anti-tumor immune response in all tested histotypes except for sarcomas, and can quickly eradicate or debulk large squamous cell carcinomas.
  • The versatility of ECGT allows for response-based modifications, which can overcome treatment resistance for affecting refractory lesions.
  • No severe adverse events were noted in any of the treated animals, even those receiving the highest doses of chemotherapeutics and IL-12 pDNA over multiple treatment cycles.
  • The research highlights the importance of inducing a strong anti-tumor response for successfully affecting not only the treated tumors, but also non-treated metastatic tumors.
  • The study was conducted by researchers from the Department of Radiation Oncology, Gulf Coast Vet Specialists, and the University of Texas.

Statistics:

  • 13 canine patients were enrolled in the study.
  • Multiple cycles of ECGT were administered to each patient.
  • No severe adverse events were noted in any of the treated animals.
  • ECGT was effective for inducing tumor regression in all tested histotypes except sarcomas.
  • The study demonstrated the safety and efficacy of repeated cycles of chemotherapy plus IL-12 gene therapy for long-term management of aggressive tumors.

Sources:

  • Safe and effective treatment of spontaneous neoplasms with interleukin 12 electro-chemo-gene therapy. Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, 2015;19(3):664-675.
  • Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10.1111/(ISSN)1582-4934)