Researchers from the CCRC have announced the results of study into local gene therapy, targeting tumour growth at a molecular level. This line of research has generated extremely exciting results, with local gene therapy eradicating both primary and secondary solid tumours.

Dr Declan Soden, General Manager of the CCRC, said that the results were very encouraging. "Secondary spread of cancer remains the greatest threat to patient survival. The treatment being developed by the CCRC could potentially be applicable in a clinical setting for the elimination of both primary and secondary tumours."

"CCRC has recently received approval to undertake a clinical study to carry out gene therapy in patients; the first of its kind in Ireland," continued Dr Soden. "We feel that this research offers the best chance to develop treatments that can target secondary cancer and could greatly improve the longevity and quality of life for cancer patients."

CCRC's research has focused on stimulating the body's own immune system to attack and eradicate solid tumours. This is achieved by inserting genetic constructs (called plasmids) directly into the tumour's cells. The effects of this research are long lasting, systemic and tumour specific, with all test subjects proving resistant to repeated tumour challenge.

Additional research showed that local gene therapy, designed to stimulate immune system response, followed by the surgical removal of the tumour, continued to result in significant reduction or elimination of secondary tumours in pre-clinical trials.

The CCRC, located in UCC, is headed by Professor Gerald O'Sullivan who was recently elected President Elect of the European Surgical Association (ESA). Professor O'Sullivan, whose term in office as President of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) concludes in June, will take up office as President of the ESA in April next year.

Photos courtesy of The Evening Echo.