Abstract
Interferon-beta (IFN-beta) has been used as an antitumor drug against human glioma, melanoma and medulloblastoma since the 1980s. Recently, we developed a new gene therapy using the IFN-beta gene against malignant gliomas and then began clinical trials in 2000. Since stimulation of immune system was one mechanism of antitumor effect induced by IFN-beta gene therapy, we hypothesized that combination of IFN-beta gene therapy with immunotherapy might increase its effectiveness. In the present study, we tested whether combination therapy with IFN-beta gene therapy and immunotherapy using tumor cell lysate-pulsed dendritic cells (DCs) would increase the efficacy of IFN-beta gene therapy. In an experimental mouse intracranial glioma (GL261), which cannot be cured by either IFN-beta gene therapy or DC immunotherapy alone, IFN-beta gene therapy following DC immunotherapy resulted in a significant prolongation in survival of the mice. Moreover, when this combination was performed twice, 50% of treated mice survived longer than 100 days. Considering these results, this combination therapy may be one promising candidate for glioma therapy in the near future.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
