New
genes thwart an old nemesis.
The elusive cure for cancer may dwell in our genes, suggests
pharmacy professor Margaret Black. By mutating a gene from a
common virus, she created an agent that multiplies the cancer-killing
power of the drug ganciclovir or GCV. Her discovery overcomes
a major problem with GCV treatment: it’s toxic when taken
in doses large enough to cure. But when combined with Professor
Black’s gene therapy, lower GCV doses obliterate tumors
without threatening the patient. Thanks to Professor Black’s
innovation, researchers throughout the country now explore the
use of mutant genes in the quest for a cancer cure.
