John A. Wagner, M.D., Ph.D., Molecular Pharmacology Department Stanford University School of Medicine
Fall 1997
In the Phase I gene therapy trials, an adeno-associated virus vector,
AAV-CFTR, was used to transfer CFTR cDNA into respiratory epithelial cells of the
maxillary sinuses of ten CF patients. The maxillary sinuses are used (as opposed to the
lungs where the life-threatening complications of CF occur) because their disease is
similar to that occurring in the lungs. CF sinuses have similar physiology, including
malfunctioning CFTR, similar infections, especially Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and similar
disruptions in clearance of secretions. In addition, the sinuses are easier to access than
the lungs, safer for the patients, and still allow researchers to evaluate how gene
therapy affects the clinical course of CF. Another advantage is that the opposite,
untreated sinus can be used as a control. If gene therapy proves effective in treating CF
sinusitis, then it may also prove effective in treating CF lung disease. The Phase I
portion of Dr. Wagner's study was to test the efficacy and safety of the vector (the means
by which the gene therapy is delivered). Results were very encouraging.
Dr. Wagner received permission, and has lately begun his Phase II trials, a randomized,
double-blind, placebo-controlled, within-subjects clinical study of the effects of
AAV-CFTR on the clinical recurrence of sinusitis in CF patients. That is, he can now look
beyond safety issues to issues of clinical efficacy. Results are not in, and neither
doctors nor subjects know which sinus is being treated with the gene therapy, however Dr.
Wagner did tell us that some cases of unilateral sinusitis had been reported. Dr. Wagner
is looking for additional volunteers for the Phase II trials, so if you are interested and
you have had the sinus surgery discussed in Dr. Victoria King's
article, contact Dr. Wagner at (650) 723-9812.