Antisense Strategies

The concept of Antisense medicated Gene Therapy is not a new one and was introduced in 1978. This is based on certain genes that are crucial in cell division and growth of cancer cells. Synthetic fragments of genetic substance DNA can achieve this goal. These strategies have been used, with some success in treatment of cancers as well as other illnesses. The following gene have been targeted in many studies:

• Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor

• Protein Kinase C

• Insulin Like Growth Factor

• Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor

• Transforming Growth Factor Beta ( TGF-B)

• Platelet Derived growth Factor

• Proto-Oncogenes; c-erb, c-sis, c-myc, c-myb

• Urokinase, CD 34,

• Tumor Necrosis Factor. etc

Making of Antisense molecules is rather cumbersome, yet easier than some other gene therapy approaches. Such molecules bind to the targeted gene molecules in DNA of tumor cells, thereby inhibiting the translation of the genes and resulting in dysfunctional growth of these cells.

Anti Sense molecules have been administered by a variety of methods. The life span of these molecules in blood is rather short. In case of brain tumors, these molecules may be administered inside the spinal fluid or directly injected into the tumor itself.

Clinical trial incorporating these strategies are underway. This method of treatment of cancer is highly experimental and the jury is still out there to see the outcome of the studies.