Electrotransfer of cytokine genes for cancer treatment

Abstract

Gene electrotransfer, which designates the combination of gene transfer and electroporation, is a physical method for transfecting genes into cells and tissues. Many reports for the utilization of this techniques in animals confirmed that gene electrotransfer is a safe and efficient method. One of the major advantages of electrogene therapy is that it does not result in systemic toxicity. Gene electrotransfer (GET) of plasmids encoding cytokines has been shown to generate a potent anti-tumor effect. Delivery of plasmids encoding cytokines induces not only a local immune response but a systemic one as well. Cytokines can be used to stimulate host inflammatory responses and immunity to cancers. This review aims to summarize preclinically tested cytokine genes with the help of electroporation for cancer treatment.