title: Cytochrome P450-based cancer gene therapy: current status.
abstract: Results from a number of preclinical studies have demonstrated that a P450-based gene-directed enzyme prodrug therapy (GDEPT) strategy for the treatment of cancer is both safe and efficacious. This strategy has now moved forward into the clinic. At least two different approaches using different delivery methods (retroviral vector MetXia [Oxford BioMedica] and encapsulated P450 expressing cells), different cytochrome P450 isoforms (human CYP2B6 versus rat CYP2B1) and different prodrugs (cyclophosphamide [CPA] versus ifosfamide [IFA]) have concluded Phase I/II clinical trial with encouraging results. In the future, P450-based GDEPT can potentially be further enhanced by improved vectors for P450 gene delivery and disease-targeted promoters for focused gene expression at the target site. In addition, there is scope for developing synthetic P450s and their respective prodrugs to improve both enzyme kinetics and the profile of the active moiety.
authors.affiliation: Oxford BioMedica (UK) Ltd, Medawar Centre, Oxford Science Park, Oxford OX4 4GA, UK.
authors.forename: On
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Kan
authors.forename: Susan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kingsman
authors.forename: Stuart
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Naylor
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D003577:Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System / Q000235:genetics*; D018014:Gene Transfer Techniques; D015316:Genetic Therapy; D006801:Humans; D007700:Kinetics; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics / Q000628:therapy*; D011355:Prodrugs / Q000627:therapeutic use; D051381:Rats
chemical_list: D011355:Prodrugs; D003577:Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System