A Landmark in Gene Therapy Trials

A most significant landmark for the Gene and Virus Therapy Program was July 12, 2004, when a patient with ovarian cancer received an intraperitoneal infusion of a recombinant measles virus that was designed, constructed, preclinically tested, and manufactured by gene therapy investigators at Mayo Clinic. This is the first time that a genetically engineered measles virus has ever been tested in human subjects. The virus used in this study kills cancer cells but spares normal cells. A second clinical trial is planned in the near future using a common cold virus carrying a gene from the thyroid gland that makes prostate cancer cells susceptible to killing by radioactive iodine. Mayo researchers are working to bring several other research projects in the program to the stage of clinical trials in patients. Two new measles virus trials are planned for patients with glioblastoma (PI: Dr. Eva Galanis) and multiple myeloma (PI: Dr. Angela Dispenzieri). They are expected to open in the fall of 2006.