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NCI Drug Dictionary


adenoviral vector encoding HSV thymidine kinase 
An adenoviral vector engineered to express the herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase (HSV-tk) gene, which, when administered in conjunction with a synthetic acyclic guanosine analogue, possesses potential antineoplastic activity. Adenoviral vector encoding HSV thymidine kinase is transduced into tumor cells, sensitizing tumor cells that overexpress HSV-tk to synthetic acyclic guanosine analogues. Subsequently, a low dose of a synthetic acyclic guanosine analogue such as valacyclovir (VCV) or ganciclovir (GCV) is given, which may preferentially kill tumor cells containing the adenoviral vector and overexpressing HSV-tk. Release of tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) by dying tumor cells may then stimulate an antitumor cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) response. Check for active clinical trials or closed clinical trials using this agent. (NCI Thesaurus)
Synonym:adenoviral vector encoding herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase
Abbreviations:Ad HSV-tk
adeno-HSV-tk
ADV-tk