Virus-Targeted Therapeutic for Breast Cancer.
Abstract
Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV)-infection of the malignant cells can be found in as many as 50% of breast cancers. We have recently developed a successful virus-directed strategy for treating EBV-associated lymphoid malignancies, including Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin's lymphomas and B cell lymphoproliferative disorders. This strategy is based on induction of the EBV thymidine kinase (TK) gene in latently-infected tumor cells, employing the experimental drug Arginine Butyrate. After induction of the viral TK gene by Arginine Butyrate, addition of the nucleoside anti-viral agent ganciclovir (GCV) then leads to specific killing of virus-infected tumor cells (which express the viral TK). We have safely and effectively used this strategy to treat EBV-associated lymphomas in pilot studies. The discovery of the EBV genome in the large proportion of breast cancers suggests that this therapeutic approach could be adapted as a novel treatment for breast cancer. The goals of this proposal are: (1) to develop an EBV-directed strategy for treating EBV(+) breast cancer; (2) to carry out a Phase I trial of Arginine Butyrate plus GCV in EBV(+) breast cancer; and (3) to explore new potential therapeutics which induce the EBV TK gene for anti-tumor targeting.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1998
- Accession Number
- ADA355418
Entities
People
- Douglas V. Faller
Organizations
- Boston University