Abstract:
The first comprehensive review of both the theory and practice of suicide gene therapy. The authors cover all the major aspects of suicide gene therapy, including the design and use of vectors in gene transduction, various enzyme and prodrug systems, the mechanistic analysis of the bystander effect, the design and synthesis of prodrugs, immunological implications, and its clinical impact. They also describe all the cutting-edge methods needed to explore, study, and advance understanding of the basic biology underlying gene therapy. Each fully tested method includes step-by-step instructions, a discussion of the principle behind the technique, equipment and reagent lists, tips on troubleshooting and avoiding pitfalls, and notes on the interpretation and use of results.

From Book News, Inc.
The terms suicide gene therapy and gene-directed enzyme prodrug therapy (GDEPT) are used interchangeably in this work to describe a two-step gene therapy treatment for solid tumors that can enhance the selectivity of cancer chemotherapy. Twenty-six chapters--from an international roster of contributors--address various aspects of theory, technique, and hurdles to overcome, summarizing current knowledge and discussing research methods. Coverage includes the design and use of vectors, various enzyme and prodrug systems, analysis of the bystander effect, the design and synthesis of prodrugs, immunological implications, and clinical impact. Experimental methods described include step-by-step instructions, equipment and reagent lists, tips on troubleshooting and avoiding pitfalls, and notes on the interpretation and use of results. Editor Springer is affiliated with the Institute of Cancer Research in the UK.Copyright 2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

Book Info
Cancer Research UK Centre for Cancer Therapeutics at the Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton, Surrey. Covers gene therapy targets in malignant cells. Comprehensively discusses theory and practice. DNLM: Neoplasms--therapy.