adenovirus-thymidine kinase

Adenovirus-thymidine kinase refers to a class of gene therapy agents where an engineered adenoviral vector is used to deliver the herpes simplex virus (HSV) or other viral thymidine kinase (TK) gene into target cells. The mechanism involves the expression of TK within tumor cells following viral infection. Once expressed, TK phosphorylates prodrugs such as ganciclovir into their active cytotoxic forms inside the cell, leading to selective killing of tumor cells—a process known as suicide gene therapy[2][5][6]. This approach combines virotherapy and suicide gene therapy for cancer treatment. The presence of TK also allows for noninvasive imaging via positron emission tomography (PET), enabling real-time monitoring of viral activity and therapeutic response[2]. These therapies are primarily investigated in oncology for solid tumors and recurrent high-grade gliomas.

Brand names

CAN-2409CAN2409CAN 2409

Other names

adenovirus-mediated thymidine kinaseadenovirus-HSV-tkoncolytic adenovirus armed with thymidine kinase