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AGENCY USE ONLY (Leave blank)2. REPORT DATE
August 1999
REPORT TYPE AND DATES COVEREDFinal (15 Jul 96-14 Jul 99)
TITLE AND SUBTITLEVirus-Targeted Therapeutic for Breast Cancer 6. AUTHOR(S) Douglas V. Faller, Ph.D.
FUNDING NUMBERS
DAMD17-96-C-6082
PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES)Boston University School of Medicine Boston, Massachusetts 02118 E*Mail: dfaller@bu.edu
PERFORMING ORGANIZATION REPORT NUMBER
SPONSORING/MONITORING AGENCY NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES)Commander
ABSTRACT (Maximum 200We have developed small molecules to alter the transcriptional response of viral genes for the treatment of human breast cancer. We have previously successfully used these compounds as therapeutic agents for gene regulation in humans. The transcriptional activity of certain viral genes, including the EpsteinBarr virus (EBV) Thymidine Kinase (TK) gene, is enhanced by these drugs. This work has led to the development of a virus-directed strategy for treating lymphoid malignancies associated with EBV. Exposure to Arginine Butyrate induces the latent TK gene in EBV-infected cells, resulting in susceptibility to ganciclovir. The presence of the Epstein-Barr virus in breast carcinomas of varying histology is strikingly high, raising the possibility of a therapeutic strategy for EBV(+) breast cancers. Our approach initially involves investigation of EBV sequences in breast cancer cell lines and specimens, determination of whether treatment with Arginine Butyrate will induce the viral thymidine kinase gene, and determination in vitro of whether the induction of the TK gene and gene product makes the breast cancer cells now susceptible to ganciclovir. We have initiated a clinical trial of an EBV-based strategy for treating cancers, including breast cancer, and shown safety and efficacy in early studies. Where copyrighted material is quoted, permission has been obtained to use such material.
SUBJECT TERMS BreastWhere material from documents designated for limited distribution is quoted, permission has been obtained to use the material.Citations of commercial organizations and trade names in this report do not constitute an official Department of Army endorsement or approval of the products or services of these organizations.In conducting research using animals, the investigator(s) adhered to the "Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Anima...