Study identifies biomarker that safely monitors tumor response to new brain cancer treatment

Gene therapy technique developed in animal model by Cedars-Sinai research team uses immune cells to attack glioblastoma multiforme 02 Jul 2009 - A specific biomarker, a protein released by dying tumor cells, has been identified as an effective tool in an animal model to gauge the response to a novel gene therapy treatment for glioblastoma mulitforme. The finding, reported in Clinical Cancer Research, paves the way for a Phase 1 clinical trial expected to begin in late 2009. The gene therapy is a two-pronged strategy devised by scientists at the Cedars-Sinai Board of Governors Gene Therapeutics Research Institute. It uses a genetically engineered, harmless virus to deliver a combination of proteins and a drug to kill tumor cells, which triggers an ongoing immune response against malignant brain tumors cells. The Cedars-Sinai... [read full story]                    

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