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DNAVEC challenges cancer using two approaches: One is by the CKD Cancer Gene Therapy Research Consortium consisting of Chiba University, Kyushu University, and DNAVEC. The core of the Consortium is the Department of Gene Therapy of Graduate School of Medicine of Chiba University, a chair sponsored by DNAVEC. The other is by collaborative development programs using genes provided by other bio-ventures.

Gene therapeutic medicine for brain tumors.

Among collaborative research endeavors with multiple institutions, the Department of Gene Therapy of Graduate School of Medicine of Chiba University is performing research on applications of Sendai virus vector on brain tumors, gastrointestinal cancers, and prostate cancer.

Brain tumors metastasize frequently and even combination of various therapeutic modalities such as surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy has not lowered the mortality of the disease. Thus a new method of therapy is awaited. Cancer has been always one of the major targets of gene therapy ever since its inception. However, gene transfer efficiency of conventional vectors has been insufficient to be truly effective against cancer. Graduate School of Medicine of Chiba University had previously demonstrated that the combination of the “peripheral vaccine effect” and the “expression of Interleukin 2 (IL-2) in the central lesion” could potentially cure brain tumors safely and efficiently, but was also searching for vectors with higher level of expression. When Sendai virus vector carrying human IL-2 gene was administered into central lesion of rat brain tumor model animals, which had been transplanted with 9L glioma cells three days before, simultaneously with a subcutaneous administration of 9L glioma cells killed by UV irradiation, three out of ten treated animals achieved complete remission. Although this was a 100% lethal model, even large masses of tumor disappeared; such results had never been observed previously with other vectors in this model. Improvements in the method of administration and other conditions may further increase the cure rate.

1. Target disorders:

   Brain tumors (Glioma etc.)

2. How it works:

   Administration of Sendai virus vector carrying IL-2 gene into tumor mass and a simultaneous administration of irradiated self tumor cells as a vaccine systemically activate the specific immunity, and at the same time induce local immunity to tumor, resulting in strong anti-tumor effects.