PubMed · 2004 · 22 citations · 0 references
MedicineOncologyPharmacologyDrug DeliveryDrug MetabolismGene TherapyAnticancer Prodrug DesignDrug-metabolizing EnzymesTargeted Prodrug DeliveryCombination Prodrug TherapyGene-directed Enzyme Prodrug TherapyProdrug MetabolismTissue-level Bystander EffectsTissue-specific DeliveryTumor Targeting SpecificityTumor-targeted Drug DeliveryTumor-targeted Prodrugs
Gene-directed enzyme prodrug therapy involves tumor-specific delivery of a gene encoding a drug-metabolizing enzyme allowing metabolism of a non-toxic prodrug to a toxic species directly within tumor cells. This review covers the wide range of enzyme-prodrug combinations currently under preclinical and clinical investigation. Issues of tumor specificity and enhanced cytotoxicity through bystander effects will be discussed.