Studies from National Cheng-Kung University, Medical Department in the area of bladder cancer described

   "Oct-3/4 is specifically expressed in embryonic stem cells and tumor cells. Oct-3/4 highly expressed in cancer cells may be a potential target for cancer therapy. We developed an E1B-55 kDa-deleted adenovirus, designated Ad.9OC, driven by nine copies of Oct-3/4 response element for treating Oct-3/4-expressing metastatic bladder cancer. We examined the expression of Oct-3/4 in human bladder tumor tissues and bladder cancer cell lines. We also evaluated the cytolytic and antitumor effects of Ad.9OC on bladder cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. Oct-3/4 expression was detected in bladder cancer cell lines, as well as in human bladder tumor tissues. Notably, Oct-3/4 expression was higher in metastatic compared with nonmetastatic bladder cancer cells. Ad.9OC induced higher cytolytic activity in metastatic bladder cancer cells than in their nonmetastatic counterparts, whereas it did not cause cytotoxicity in normal cells. Pharmacologic and short hairpin RNA-mediated Oct-3/4 inhibition rendered bladder cancer cells more resistant to Ad.9OC-induced cytolysis. Replication of Ad.9OC was detected in murine bladder cancer cells and bladder tumor tissues. We also showed the effectiveness of Ad.9OC for treating bladder cancer in subcutaneous, as well as metastatic, bladder tumor models. Ad.9OC may have therapeutic potential for treating Oct-3/4-expressing tumors. Especially, metastatic bladder tumors are good target for Ad.9OC treatment," wrote C.L. Wu and colleagues, National Cheng-Kung University, Medical Department.

   The researchers concluded: "Because Oct-3/4 is expressed in a broad spectrum of cancers, Ad.9OC may be broadly applicable."

   Wu and colleagues published their study in Clinical Cancer Research (Tumor-selective replication of an oncolytic adenovirus carrying Oct-3/4 response elements in murine metastatic bladder cancer models. Clinical Cancer Research, 2008;14(4):1228-1238).

   Additional information can be obtained by contacting A.L. Shiau, National Cheng Kung University, College Medical, Dept. of Microbiology & Immunology, 1 Dashiue Rd., Tainan 70101, Taiwan.

   The publisher of the journal Clinical Cancer Research can be contacted at: American Association Cancer Research, 615 Chestnut St., 17TH Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19106-4404, USA.

   Keywords: Taiwan, Tainan, Adenoviridae, Bladder Cancer, Bladder Carcinoma, Cancer Research, Embryonic Stem Cell Research, Experimental Design, Oncology, Therapy, Treatment, National Cheng-Kung University, Medical Department.

   This article was prepared by Biotech Business Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2008, Biotech Business Week via NewsRx.com.

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