What is prostate gene therapy?

This is a promising treatment in which a gene or genes for a particular molecule are provided to patients in a variety of ways. Examples include replacement of genes missing as a result of a hereditary disorder, addition of genes to inhibit tumor growth, or using genes in a vaccine to stimulate the immune system against specific tumors.

Why is prostate gene therapy important?

Until now, the treatment of patients with recurrent prostate cancer after radiation therapy or surgery, and who have already been treated with hormonal therapy, has been only moderately effective. Attempts to stimulate the immune system against tumors have lacked the specificity and strength needed to kill tumors.

However, gene therapy vaccines provide new hope that a significant response against specific tumors, such as prostate cancer, can be stimulated.

Is UI conducting a gene therapy trial for prostate cancer?

Yes. We are currently enrolling patients in a trial involving Ad5-PSA. In this trial the gene for prostate specific antigen (PSA), a molecule associated with prostate cancer, has been genetically engineered into a modified virus, not harmful to humans. This PSA virus is injected into patients to determine whether it can stimulate immune responses to the PSA, and by association, to the prostate cancer cells specifically. Previous studies here at UI provided encouraging results. Ultimately, we wish to determine whether Ad5-PSA can destroy prostate cancer cells and benefit the patient.

Is this trial still accepting patient volunteers?

Yes. We are seeking patients either with recent evidence of a recurrence of their prostate cancer after their primary treatment such as surgery or radiation therapy or patients with hormone refractory prostate cancer. The latter patients are those that have previously been treated with hormone therapy.