Adenoviral transduction of a cytosine deaminase/thymidine kinase fusion gene into prostate carcinoma cells enhances prodrug and radiation sensitivity

Prostate tumor cells (PC-3) were transduced with defective, recombinant adenovirus containing a fusion gene encoding the Escherichia coli cytosine deaminase and herpes simplex virus type-1 thymidine kinase under the control of a cytomegalovirus promoter. Expression levels of the fusion protein were dependent on the multiplicity of infection used and incubation time following infection. PC-3 cells expressing this protein were sensitized to killing by the normally innocuous prodrugs 5-fluorocytosine and ganciclovir. In addition, radiation-induced killing was enhanced in virally infected cells in the presence of the prodrugs.