A new, highly targeted gene therapy developed by UC Davis scientists, shows promise for treating cancers caused by the Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV), such as Kaposi’s sarcoma.
The preclinical study, published in Molecular Therapy Oncology, utilizes a harmless adeno-associated virus (AAV) to deliver a “Trojan horse” gene into KSHV-infected cancer cells. This therapy is activated only in cells containing the viral marker protein LANA. Once active, it delivers a modified enzyme that converts the anti-herpesvirus drug ganciclovir into a cancer-killing agent, selectively destroying KSHV-infected cells while sparing healthy tissue.
In mouse models, the treatment significantly reduced tumor growth with no detectable side effects. The researchers suggest this approach could lead to safer, more personalized medicine for aggressive KSHV-related cancers.