Cancer Gene Therapy

Cancer Gene Therapy: Applicable at All Stages from Prevention to Treatment

Cancer gene therapy can be applied regardless of the stage of cancer, from prevention to treatment. When combined with the three major cancer therapies—surgery, drug therapy, and radiation therapy—synergistic effects can be expected.

Types of Cancer Gene Therapy

p53
One of the most important tumor suppressor genes, p53 is known as the “guardian of the genome.” It plays a vital role in DNA repair, induction of apoptosis, regulation of cell proliferation, and metabolic control. Due to these critical functions, p53 is considered one of the most crucial genes in cancer treatment.

PTEN
This tumor suppressor gene restores the functions of apoptosis and growth suppression by inhibiting the enzyme Akt, which mediates cell survival and proliferation.

TRAIL
TRAIL is a protein that binds to death receptors on the surface of cells, sending signals to induce apoptosis specifically in cancer cells.

Cdc6 shRNA
This approach suppresses the overexpression of the Cdc6 protein, which promotes cell proliferation, thereby preventing the growth of cancer cells and inducing apoptosis. It works by degrading the RNA involved in synthesizing the Cdc6 protein. This technique is known as RNA interference.

p16
This gene regulates the early stages of the cell cycle. When abnormalities are detected in cells, it stops the cancer cell cycle or induces cellular senescence in cancer cells.

GKsh
GKshRNA is a new gene therapy approach that targets Gankyrin, a protein that inhibits the function of tumor suppressor genes such as p53.

Overview of Cancer Gene Therapy

The treatment involves intravenous infusion lasting approximately 20 to 30 minutes.
Because a harmless virus is used to deliver genes into the body, there is no concern about damaging normal cells.

Gene therapy can also be performed in a precancerous state—when gene abnormalities are found through cancer gene testing, even if no issues are observed in imaging diagnosis. This means gene therapy can also serve as a cancer prevention measure.

“For manufactured formulations, an average virus titer of at least 1×10^7 (PFU)/ml is achieved.”
(PFU = Plaque-Forming Units, representing the number of virus particles capable of forming plaques per unit volume.)

This means each 1 ml contains at least 10,000,000 viruses (viral vectors carrying therapeutic genes).
In Set A, each vial (1.6 ml) contains:

p53: 0.4 ml (4 million viruses)
p16: 0.4 ml (4 million viruses)
PTEN: 0.4 ml (4 million viruses)
CDC6 shRNA: 0.4 ml (4 million viruses)

Total = 16 million viruses per vial

In Set B:

p53: 1.2 ml (12 million viruses)
PTEN: 0.4 ml (4 million viruses)

Total = 16 million viruses per vial

In Set C:

p53: 1.2 ml (12 million viruses)
GKsh: 0.4 ml (4 million viruses)

Total = 16 million viruses per vial

Treatment Procedure

We use lentiviral vectors. Lentiviral vectors are known for their efficiency in gene delivery and minimal side effects such as fever or chills, allowing low-burden treatment for patients.

Up to five different genes can be introduced in a single treatment. The optimal combination is selected based on the type and pathology of the cancer using a rich database of clinical data.

Gene infusions are generally performed once a week.
One course consists of five sessions.
Single gene infusions, course cancellation, or gene changes during the course are possible.

Each session takes approximately 20–30 minutes.
After completing one course, the effectiveness is evaluated using imaging diagnostics and tumor markers. If effective, an additional 1–2 courses may be conducted. If ineffective, the gene combination is revised and a new course is started.

Side Effects and Precautions

There are no specific risks or side effects unique to gene therapy, but allergic reactions may rarely occur.

Cancer Gene Therapy Pricing

Treatment fee (per session):

Set A:
Includes p53, PTEN, CDC6 shRNA, and p16 vectors
¥110,000 / vial
Set B:
Vector with enhanced p53 and PTEN
¥110,000 / vial
Set C:
Includes p53 and GKsh vectors
¥110,000 / vial

[Treatment Examples]

You may receive only Set A per session, or a combination such as A + B or A + B + C.
This is non-insured (private) treatment.
One course is set as 5 sessions, but payment is per session and cancellation during the course is possible.
All treatment fees include tax.
No initial consultation or follow-up fees are required.
■About the Medications Used in This Treatment
The medications used in this treatment are not approved in Japan.
While these drugs have not been authorized by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare in Japan, they have been used in medical settings overseas and have demonstrated a certain level of safety and efficacy.
At our clinic, these medications are provided under the responsibility of a licensed physician, with careful consideration given to their safety and effectiveness.

*Please note that this treatment is not covered by insurance and is provided entirely as private (self-funded) medical care.
*All prices listed include tax.