Abstract:
The present invention provides a non-viral vector which comprises a sequence encoding an RNA replicase and a nuclear localisation sequence. The vector may also comprise a nucleotide sequence of interest (NOI). The vector may be used to deliver an NOI to a target cell.
Abstract:
A thoracoscopic electroporation device for carrying out electroporation on tissue comprises a suction head (10) and a plurality of needle electrodes. The needle electrodes comprise a central needle (11) providing a first electrode and a plurality of second needles (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17) which are spaced-apart around the periphery of the suction head. The second needles are movable from a retracted configuration to a deployed configuration to extend from the suction head. The suction head has a retracted delivery configuration and an expanded deployed configuration. The suction head comprises a suitable flexible material and biasing means (20) for biasing the suction head into the expanded deployed configuration. The suction head has channels (21) for the needles and the needles are movable through the channels from the retracted to the deployed configuration. In the deployed configuration, the central first needle extends beyond the second needles. A vacuum is applied by drawing air out through the central first needle. A therapeutic agent may be applied to the tissue before, during, or after electroporation.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to a method for the treatment of cancer in a subject which comprises the steps of: (i) administering electroporation to a tumour in the subject; and (ii) administering a T or B -cell activating agent to the subject, wherein step (i) and (ii) may be performed in either order.
Abstract:
An apparatus for use in carrying out a prophylactic or treatment procedure on tissue comprises a head piece 1 having a receiver 2 for receiving an instrument such as an endoscope 10 and chamber 3 into which tissue is drawn by vaccum. There are two electrodes 11 within the chamber 2 and two electrodes 25 located on opposite sides of the entrance 5 into the chamber. The voltage applied to the inner and outer electrodes 11, 25 can be varied independently an allows tissue underlying the device to be treated. This is particularly important for colorectal cancers.
Abstract:
Apparatus (20) for carrying out a prophylactic or treatment procedure on tissue comprises a device (21) having a chamber (22) and at least one active element such as an electrode (23) within the chamber (22). The chamber (22) has an opening (26) through which tissue is drawn into the chamber (22). Means for drawing the tissue into the chamber may comprise a vacuum lumen with vacuum orifices (25) in the chamber (22). Treatment such as electroporation may be applied to tissue in the chamber (22).