Gene therapy of established mesothelioma xenografts with recombinant p16INK4a adenovirus.

The absence of expression of the p16INK4a gene product is observed in virtually all mesothelioma tumors and cell lines, whereas wild-type pRB expression is maintained. We have examined the potential therapeutic role of re-expressing the p16INK4a gene product in mice with established human mesothelioma xenografts. Experiments using Adp16 treatments in mesothelioma xenografts demonstrated prolonged survival and potential cure following treatment with p16INK4a-based gene therapy. These results demonstrate that p16INK4a gene transfer may play a therapeutic role in the treatment of mesothelioma.