New gene technology causes breast cancer cells to self-destruct

Scientists at Belfast’s Queen’s University are pioneering new gene technology which will cause breast cancer cells to self-destruct.

Researchers have used an innovative, tiny gene transport system to show that they are able to deliver a gene straight into breast cancer cells, which causes them to die. The system is called a Designer Biomimetic Vector (DBV) and is able to package a gene into a nanoparticle which is 400 times smaller a human hair’s width. It can then be delivered directly into breast cancer cells inside a laboratory.

The work was carried out at the Queen’s School of Pharmacy and was aided by funding from the Breast Cancer Campaign. Dr Helen McCarthy spoke of the work, published in the International Journal of Pharmaceutics, saying that in the past the lack of an effective system for delivery has represented a major stumbling block. She added that by combining the Designer Biomimetic Vector and the iNOS gene they have been able to find a successful way to kill breast cancer cells.

She continued that she could envisage this method being used in the long-term to treat patients suffering from metastatic breast cancer that may have spread to the bones. She added that the treatment would be undertaken before radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

The university commented that while further investigation was required, trials in patients could be seen in as few as five years.