Gene-directed enzyme prodrug therapy: a current assessment.
Gene-directed enzyme prodrug therapy involves tumor-specific delivery of a gene encoding a drug-metabolizing enzyme allowing metabolism of a non-toxic prodrug to a toxic species directly within tumor cells. This review covers the wide range of enzyme-prodrug combinations currently under preclinical and clinical investigation. Issues of tumor specificity and enhanced cytotoxicity through bystander effects will be discussed.
University of Ulster at Coleraine, Radiation Science Group, School of Biomedical Sciences, Centre for Molecular Biosciences, Cromore Road, Coleraine, Co Londonderry, Northern Ireland. S.R.McKeown@ulster.ac.uk
Stephanie R
SR
McKeown
Claire
C
Ward
Tracy
T
Robson
D000818:Animals; D024201:Bystander Effect; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004798:Enzymes / Q000378:metabolism*; D018014:Gene Transfer Techniques; D015316:Genetic Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy*; D011355:Prodrugs / Q000378:metabolism*
D004798:Enzymes; D011355:Prodrugs