Document 0073
 DOCN  M9590073
 TI    [Prospects for antisense therapy]
 DT    9509
 AU    Maekawa T; Department of Hygiene, Kyoto Prefectural University of
       Medicine.
 SO    Rinsho Ketsueki. 1995 May;36(5):410-8. Unique Identifier : AIDSLINE
       MED/95302652
 AB    Inability to distinguish between normal and diseased cells by
       chemotherapeutic agents causes systemic toxic effects. This problem may
       be solved by the direct genetic approach using antisense
       oligodeoxynucleotide (AS ODN) based on the specificity of Watson-Crick
       base pair formation, if an appropriate disease-specific target can be
       identified. Since the pioneering works by Zamecnik and Stephenson to
       inhibit gene expression using AS ODN, recent progress in cloning of
       pathogenic genes and technical advance in the synthesis of ODN analogues
       have spurred a research effort dedicated to the development of AS
       therapy for cancer and viral disease. Chemically-modified ODNs such as
       phosphorothioate analogues, which are nuclease resistant and considered
       to be suitable for clinical use, can effectively inhibit the expression
       of activated oncogenes or the viral replication and lead to the growth
       suppression of cancer cells and viral genomes in vitro and in
       experiments using animal models as well. Phase I clinical trials,
       designed to evaluate the toxicity of these compounds in leukemia or AIDS
       patients, have already commenced. In these trials, which are now in its
       infancy, a considerable number of problems will be encountered. However,
       these hurdles may not be insurmountable.
 DE    Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/*THERAPY  Animal  English Abstract
       Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic  Gene Therapy/METHODS  Human
       Neoplasms/*THERAPY  Oligonucleotides, Antisense/*THERAPEUTIC USE
       Support, Non-U.S. Gov't  JOURNAL ARTICLE  REVIEW  REVIEW, ACADEMIC

       SOURCE: National Library of Medicine.  NOTICE: This material may be
       protected by Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S.Code).