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Viral gene therapy for head and neck cancer

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  18 March 2015

J P Hughes ,
G Alusi  and
Y Wang
J P Hughes*
Affiliation:
Centre for Molecular Oncology, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, UK Department of Otorhinolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, Imperial College NHS Trust, London, UK
G Alusi
Affiliation:
Centre for Molecular Oncology, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, UK Department of Otorhinolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, UK
Y Wang
Affiliation:
Centre for Molecular Oncology, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, UK Sino-British Research Centre for Molecular Oncology, Zhengzhou University, Henan, China
*
Address for correspondence: Mr J P Hughes, c/o ENT secretaries, 3rd floor South Wing, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Charing Cross Hospital, Fulham Palace Road, London W6 8RF, UK Fax: 020 3311 1070, E-mail: jonathanphughes@gmail.com
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Abstract

Background:

Viral gene therapy is a promising new treatment modality for head and neck cancer. This paper provides the reader with a review of the relevant literature in this field.

Results:

There are government licensed viral gene therapy products currently in use for head and neck cancer, utilised in conjunction with established treatment modalities. The viruses target tumour-associated genes, with the first licensed virus replacing p53 gene function, which is frequently lost in tumourigenesis. Oncolytic viruses selectively destroy cancer cells through viral replication and can be armed with therapeutic transgenes.

Conclusion:

Despite considerable advances in this field over the last 40 years, further research is needed to improve the overall efficacy of the viruses and allow their widespread utilisation in the management of head and neck cancer.

Keywords

Genetic TherapyHead And Neck CancerVirusesOncolytic Virotherapy
Type
Review Articles
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 129 , Issue 4 , April 2015 , pp. 314 - 320
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 2015 

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Footnotes

J P Hughes was the recipient of an award from The Journal of Laryngology & Otology towards his PhD in 2009.

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