Scientists have attempted genetic therapy using mesothelioma cell lines by transfer of the herpes simplex virus variants using an adenovirus. First clinical trial with gene therapy was conducted at University of Pennsylvania. One of the 26 patients who were enrolled to this gene study remained without evidence of recurrence of mesothelioma for a period of 31 months. Also the researchers noted one partial response and 3 disease stabilizations. The median survival was 11 months among the 18 patients who died. Work is in progress in the gene treatment of mesothelioma. (Ref 1)
Reference:
- Sterman DH, Kaiser LR, Albelda SM. Advances in the treatment of malignant pleural mesothelioma. Chest 1999;116:504.
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