SummaryBladder cancer is regarded as a promising candidate for innovative therapies in the field of immune and gene therapy. In this paper, we present the subcutaneous, metastatic and a novel orthotopic model of murine MB49 bladder cancer in C57BL/6 mice. We further show the potential of using adenoviral vectors together with different transduction enhancers to augment in vivo gene delivery. Finally, we present candidate genes for tumour detection, therapy or targeting.The MB49 tumour grew rapidly in mice. The subcutaneous model allowed for tumour detection within a week and the possibility to monitor growth rate on a day-by-day basis. Injection of MB49 cells intravenously into the tail vein gave rise to lung metastases within 16 days, while instillation of tumour cells into pretreated bladders led to a survival time of 20-40 days. Adenoviral vectors can be used as a vehicle for gene transfer to the bladder. By far, the most potent transduction enhancer was Clorpactin, also known as oxychlorosene. Last, we show that MB49 cells express tumour-associated antigens like bladder cancer-4, prostate stem cell antigen and six-transmembrane epithelial antigen of the prostate.Given the possibility for efficient genetic modification of the bladder and the presence of known tumour antigens, the MB49 models can be used in innovative ways to explore immunogene therapy.

Summary Background Scratching and itch are common clinical signs of atopic dermatitis (AD). Studies of adult patients have shown that a decrease in scratching behaviour results in regression of inflammation and improved healing of the skin. Objectives To investigate whether a modified habit reversal (HR) treatment protocol could be used for the treatment of scratching in children to improve skin status. Methods The study is a single‐blind, randomized controlled trial of 39 patients who started with registration a week before randomization into one of two groups (intervention or control). The participants in the intervention group received a habit‐breaking therapy of their scratching behaviour (i.e. HR) in addition to a potent steroid (mometasone furoate), whereas the patients in the control group received the steroid alone. The patients were assessed by an independent dermatologist after the first week of registration (baseline assessment) and then after 3 and 8 weeks of treatment. The primary efficacy variable was a change in objective Scoring Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD). Results At the end of the 3‐week treatment period, the change in mean objective SCORAD was significantly (P = 0·027) higher in the intervention group (−31·9 ± 9·5) than in the control group (−23·8 ± 10·1). After the 8‐week follow‐up, the change in mean objective SCORAD was significantly (P = 0·0038) higher in the intervention group (−31·7 ± 10·4) than in the control group (−19·7 ± 9·4). Conclusions The treatment of scratching with the HR method in combination with a potent steroid was found to improve skin status significantly after 3 and 11 weeks.