adenovirus RSV-TK

Adenovirus RSV-TK is a gene therapy product that uses a replication-deficient adenoviral vector to deliver the herpes simplex virus type 1 thymidine kinase (HSV-1 TK) gene under the control of the Rous sarcoma virus (RSV) promoter. The therapeutic strategy involves direct administration of this vector into tumor tissue, followed by systemic or local administration of an antiviral prodrug such as ganciclovir or acyclovir. Cells transduced with HSV-1 TK convert these otherwise non-toxic prodrugs into toxic phosphorylated metabolites that terminate DNA synthesis and induce cell death. This "suicide gene" approach can also kill neighboring non-transduced tumor cells via bystander effects. Adenovirus RSV-TK has been studied in phase I clinical trials for cutaneous metastatic malignant melanoma and ovarian cancer[2][3][6][7][10]. The original development was led by the National Cancer Institute and National Human Genome Research Institute.

Other names

adenovirus-mediated thymidine kinase gene therapyADV-RSV-TK