Adenovirus-mediated gene transfer in dog prostate: a preclinical study of a relevant model system for gene therapy of human prostatic cancer

This present study evaluates the potential of adenovirus-mediated gene tran sfer (AMGT) to the prostate of normal laboratory beagles. Many morphologica l and histological similarities can be noted between dog and human prostate . Moreover, dogs can spontaneously develop prostate cancer with a clinical and biological outcome identical to that in man. Firstly we showed the capa city of human adenovirus to infect canine prostatic cells in vitro. Secondl y, we injected transrectally in the dogs' prostates 2 x 10(9) plaque formin g units of a first generation recombinant adenovirus vector harboring the r eporter gene beta-galactosidase (AdRSV beta gal). Seven days after the aden oviral delivery, we observed expression of the transgene in both prostates, and exclusively in epithelial cells. Despite a cellular and a humoral immu ne response, the infusion appeared safe, since the dogs had no fever and pr esented no urinary symptoms. This study constitutes the first evaluation of AMGT in dog prostate and provides a basis for gene therapy treatment of pr ostate carcinoma-bearing patients.