For the first time, tweaking DNA leads to sustained tumor regression
By E.J. Mundell, HealthDay Reporter

THURSDAY, Aug. 31 (HealthDay News) -- U.S. scientists are pointing to the full, 18-month-long remission of two melanoma patients as the first evidence that gene therapy can work to beat back cancer.

"I'm not aware of any other gene therapy that's gotten this far in cancer therapy," said Dr. Len Lichtenfeld, deputy chief medical officer at the American Cancer Society.

Lichtenfeld said the study, which was conducted by a team at the National Cancer Institute, is the "first real 'proof of concept' that this type of approach could really work."

The findings are reported in the Sept. 1 issue of Science.

The notion that the targeted manipulation of genetic material might help fight cancer has long held a special allure for researchers. However, despite decades of dedicated research, real success -- in terms of effective, durable treatments -- has remained elusive.

That era may now be over, experts say.