| abstract |
SUMMARY The present invention relates to a method for selectively removing neoplastic cells from a mixed cell composition, such as an autograft, by using a virus that exhibits selective killing of neoplastic cells. It is possible that various viruses selectively remove neoplastic cells but not normal cells. For example, a reovirus selectively kills ras-activated neoplastic cells, and a virus that expresses the wild-type p53 gene is selective for neoplastic cells with dysfunctional p53, Interferon-sensitive viruses are selective for neoplastic cells with a disrupted interferon pathway. |