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.
McKeown
Stephanie R
SR
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
Ward
Claire
C
Robson
Tracy
T
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