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Nonviral Jet-Injection Technology for Intratumoral In Vivo Gene Transfer of Naked DNA

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Gene Therapy of Cancer

Part of the book series: Methods in Molecular Biology™ ((MIMB,volume 542))

Summary

The main challenges for application of gene therapy to patients are poor selectivity in vector targeting, insufficient gene transfer, and great difficulties in systemic treatment in association with safety concerns for particular vector systems. For success in gene therapy, safe, applicable, and efficient transfer technologies are required. Because of the complex nature of targeted vector delivery to the tumor, our strategy for gene therapy is focused on the development of local nonviral gene transfer. This approach of local interference with tumor growth and progression could contribute to better control of the disease. Transfer of naked DNA is an important alternative to liposomal or viral systems. Different physical procedures are used for improved delivery of naked DNA into the target cells or tissues in vitro and in vivo. Among the various nonviral gene delivery technologies, jet-injection is gaining increased attractiveness, because this technique allows gene transfer into different tissues with deep penetration of naked DNA by circumventing the disadvantages associated with, e.g., viral vectors. The jet-injection technology is based on jets of high velocity for penetration of the skin and underlaying tissues, associated with efficient transfection of the affected area. The jet-injection technology has been successfully applied for in vivo gene transfer in different tumor models. More importantly, the efficacy and safety of jet-injection gene transfer have recently been investigated in a phase I clinical trial.

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Acknowledgments

This work was kindly supported by the EMS Medical Systems SA, Nyon, Switzerland, and grants from the H.W. & J. Hector Foundation, Mannheim, Germany, and the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft, Bonn, Germany. Support from A. Menne and T. Nellessen in the establishment of the jet-injection technology is appreciated. Help in the performance of the animal studies by M. Lemm and the excellent technical assistance of D. Kobelt, J. Aumann, and L. Malcherek are gratefully acknowledged.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine, Robert-Rössle-Strasse 10, 13125, Berlin, Germany

    Wolfgang Walther

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  1. Wolfgang Walther
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  2. Iduna Fichtner
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  3. Peter M. Schlag
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  4. Ulrike S. Stein
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Correspondence to Wolfgang Walther .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Molecular Medicine (MDC), Max Delbrück Center for, Robert-Rössle-Str. 10, Berlin, 13125, Germany

    Wolfgang Walther

  2. Molecular Medicine (MDC), Max Delbrück Center for, Robert-Rössle-Str. 10, Berlin, 13125, Germany

    Ulrike S. Stein

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© 2009 Humana Press, a part of Springer Science+Business Media, LLC

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Walther, W., Fichtner, I., Schlag, P.M., Stein, U.S. (2009). Nonviral Jet-Injection Technology for Intratumoral In Vivo Gene Transfer of Naked DNA . In: Walther, W., Stein, U. (eds) Gene Therapy of Cancer. Methods in Molecular Biology™, vol 542. Humana Press. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-59745-561-9_11

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-59745-561-9_11

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  • Publisher Name: Humana Press

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-934115-85-5

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-59745-561-9

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