Optimization of the efficacy and tumor selectivity of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC)-mediated sodium iodide symporter (NIS) gene therapy through combination with regional hyperthermia: Use of NIS as theranostic gene

To improve the effectiveness and tumor selectivity of MSC-mediated gene therapy, we are investigating the combination of regional hyperthermia with NIS gene therapy. Using a heat-inducible promoter to drive transgene expression enables us to control the activation of the therapeutic NIS gene locally as well as temporally. We are further exploring the capacity of hyperthermic tumor pretreatment to enhance MSC recruitment to the tumor.