A FUNCTION OF VALPROIC ACID IN SUICIDE GENE THERAPY

摘要

The present invention relates to a suicide-gene cancer therapy by combining valproic acid (VPA) with stem cells expressing suicide genes such as herpes simplex virus type I thymidine kinase (HSV-TK). Glioma cells and the suicide gene-expressing stem cells treated with the valproic acid are cultured in combination with each other, thereby up-regulating the gap junction and enhancing the bystander effect, leading to an increase in the anticancer effect.