Gene therapy of neoplastic meningosis.

Gene therapy of neoplastic meningosis is a promising new approach that relies on introduction of 'suicide' genes into cancer cells. The most commonly used gene has been the herpes virus thymidine kinase gene (HSV-tk) which has been delivered to cancer cells via retroviral or adenoviral vectors. A bystander cytocidal effect to non-transduced tumor cells has been documented and is dependent upon intercellular communication via gap junctions. A variety of gene therapy approaches using the HSV-tk system have been used in experimental models of neoplastic meningosis with promising results. Optimizing vector design and bystander cytotoxicity is a prerequisite for successful gene therapy in patients with neoplastic meningosis.