Gene therapy for PNET.

A new era has been reached in cancer therapeutics in which the techniques of molecular biology can be applied to human brain tumors. Ongoing studies are determining the best vector system with which to deliver genes to cells. Choices include the retroviral, adenoviral, and Herpes simplex virus vector systems. The optimum mode of delivering the vector specifically to the tumor is being explored through intravenous, intraarterial, and direct intra-tumoral injections. Finally, efforts to achieve adequate vector expression throughout an entire tumor are being realized with our greater understanding of vector design and gene expression. The PNET may be amenable in the future to gene therapy strategies because of its rapid proliferative potential, its tendency to spread within the CSF pathways, and its high recurrence rate. In this regard, a number of novel strategies for treating PNET are described herein.