The Ad5-TRAIL gene therapy for prostate cancer research trial is a phase I study designed to test the optimal dosage at which the therapeutic agent can safely be given to patients. The researchers are hoping that the therapy will cause the death of prostate tumor cells with no harm to normal cells.
“This new gene therapy may help us successfully manage patients with high-risk prostate cancer,” said Thomas Griffith, an associate professor in the Department of Urology.
Researchers injected the investigational therapeutic into the cancerous prostates of three patients. Then, following a 10-day waiting period, surgeons removed the prostates and are evaluating the results.
“The preliminary results appear promising,” said Richard Williams, head of the Department of Urology, University of Iowa. “The patients have tolerated the treatment without any serious side effects, which we hope will permit us to proceed with the research process.”
The UI researchers say it will take several years before the treatment could be approved and come into general use, even if it is shown to be effective.