First Two Patients Respond to Gene Therapy in Melanoma Study

He added that the approach was applicable to other malignancies that head and neck surgeons address. For example, head and neck surgeons are very interested in squamous cell carcinoma, the most common cancer that they treat. “Some immunotherapy research is applicable to squamous cell carcinoma, particularly research involving the genes NY-eso-1 and p53, antigens that are involved in squamous cell carcinoma,” he said.

Head and neck surgeons should take heart from the findings, Dr. O’Malley agreed. “This study should be a source of stimulation for researchers to continue the work in areas other than melanoma,” he said. “Our cancers are difficult to treat, and this is a fantastic development that allows us to think through this whole concept of gene therapy. This work is an example of persistence paying off.”

©2006 The Triological Society