eAFP-VISA

eAFP-VISA is an **investigational gene therapy** designed for targeted cancer treatment, utilizing the VISA (VP16-Gal4-WPRE integrated systemic amplifier) vector system to drive expression of a therapeutic gene under the control of the epithelial alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) promoter. Its primary purpose is to achieve selective killing of cancer cells, particularly **hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)** cells, by restricting transgene expression to AFP-expressing tissues (tumor-specific expression). The eAFP-VISA system typically delivers cytotoxic or pro-apoptotic genes such as truncated Bid (tBid), aiming to induce apoptosis only in cancer cells expressing AFP, with reduced off-target effects. The construct and approach have been described and studied preclinically, especially in relation to HCC, and are being explored as potential new targeted antineoplastic therapies.