Endothelial Progenitors as Vectors for Systemic Gene Therapy of Breast Cancer
Abstract
One promising new treatment modality for breast cancer is the application of vector- mediated gene therapy. A noted problem with many vector systems however, including both viral and non-viral vectors, used for gene therapy is the lack of efficient and targeted delivery to the primary tumor and disseminated metastases. To address this issue, we propose the use of CD34+ and/or Flk-l+ endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), which have the propensity of homing to sites of neovascularization. Key to the success of this approach is efficient genetic modification of the EPCs. In this regard, we have shown previously that CD34+ EPCs are efficiently transduced using live-viral vectors with relatively low doses and associated toxicity. We hypothesize that the modified EPCs can, after intravascular injection, localize into sites of tumor neovascularization and deliver therapeutic payloads. Further, the natural targeting capacity of EPCs will allow their use vectors for gene therapy of both local and disseminated breast cancer.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 2003
- Accession Number
- ADA421740
Entities
People
- Jerry L. Blackwell
Organizations
- University of Alabama