February 25 - March 3, 2000
Gene Therapy for Brain Tumors
UAB researchers have created a genetically engineered, gene-bearing herpes virus that significantly increases the survival time of mice with brain tumors, as reported in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science. The team headed by neurosurgeon James Markert, M.D., constructed a herpes simplex virus containing the gene for interleukin 12, a protein with known anti-tumor actions. "Cell studies showed that the enhanced virus destroyed tumor cells without damaging normal adult nervous system cells, even at high doses. Mice with brain tumors showed a dramatic increase in survival time, with some apparent cures when treated with the interleukin 12-bearing virus as opposed to virus alone."
Contact Bob Shepard, Media Relations, 205-934-8934 or [email protected].
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