Bortezomib-induced enzyme-targeted radiation therapy in herpesvirus-associated tumors

De Xue Fu, Yvette Tanhehco, Jianmeng Chen, Catherine A. Foss, James J. Fox, Ja Mun Chong, Robert F. Hobbs, Masashi Fukayama, George Sgouros, Jeanne Kowalski, Martin G. Pomper, Richard F. Ambinder

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

75 Scopus citations

Abstract

We investigated the possibility of using a pharmacologic agent to modulate viral gene expression to target radiotherapy to tumor tissue. In a mouse xenograft model, we had previously shown targeting of [125I]2′- fluoro-2′-deoxy-β-D-5-iodouracil-arabinofuranoside ([ 125I]FIAU) to tumors engineered to express the Epstein-Barr virus thymidine kinase (EBV-TK). Here we extend those results to targeting of a therapeutic radiopharmaceutical [131I]FIAU to slow or stop tumor growth or to achieve tumor regression. These outcomes were achieved in xenografts with tumors that constitutively expressed the EBV-TK. With naturally infected EBV tumor cell lines (Burkitt's lymphoma and gastric carcinoma), activation of viral gene expression by pretreatment with bortezomib was required. Marked changes in tumor growth could also be achieved in naturally infected Kaposi's sarcoma herpesvirus tumors after pretreatment with bortezomib. Bortezomib-induced enzyme-targeted radiation therapy illustrates the possibility of pharmacologically modulating tumor gene expression to result in targeted radiotherapy.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1118-1122
Number of pages5
JournalNature medicine
Volume14
Issue number10
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 2008

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

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