LIPO-HSV-1-tk + ganciclovir

LIPO-HSV-1-tk + ganciclovir is a combination therapy used in gene-directed enzyme prodrug therapy (suicide gene therapy), primarily for cancer treatment. The approach involves two components: - **HSV-1 thymidine kinase (HSV-1-tk) gene delivery**—typically via a vector or encapsulated in a liposomal formulation—to target cells. - **Ganciclovir**, an antiviral nucleoside analog, administered systemically or locally. Cells expressing the introduced HSV-1-thymidine kinase enzyme convert the otherwise non-toxic prodrug ganciclovir into toxic metabolites that inhibit DNA synthesis and induce cell death. Liposomal encapsulation of either the HSV-TK vector or ganciclovir enhances delivery to tumor tissue and improves pharmacokinetics by increasing tumor accumulation and reducing systemic toxicity[1][3]. This system exploits selective killing of dividing cells that have taken up the suicide gene, with additional "bystander effect" killing of neighboring tumor cells through gap junctions[7][9]. The combination has been studied mainly for hepatic tumors and other solid cancers[1][3].

Other names

liposomal HSV-1 thymidine kinase plus ganciclovirliposome-encapsulated ganciclovir with HSV-1-tk gene therapylip-GCV + HSV-TK