Prostate cancer transfection by acoustic energy using pEGFP-N1 as reporter gene in the solid Dunning R-3327-MatLu tumor.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Gene therapy is expected to play a major role in medical treatment in the future. Several different methods for DNA transfection exist. We evaluated the efficacy and effects of transfection by acoustic energy in a standardized prostate cancer model. METHODS: Subcutaneous implantation of Dunning tumors was followed by injection of pEGFP-DNA plasmid. Tumors were treated by acoustic energy with different parameter settings and the transfection rate was assessed by FACScan. RESULTS: Standardized experimental conditions resulted in minor intragroup deviations. Intratumoral injection resulted in a transfection rate of 0.3% (control group). The statistically significant increase of 4.6% in cell transfection rate was gained by applying acoustic energy. CONCLUSIONS: DNA transfection of solid tumors can be mediated by the application of acoustic energy. Achieved transfection rates are encouraging and imply therapeutical levels. Prodrug activation or suicide gene therapy are possible fields of investigation in the treatment of prostate cancer.