Bhang and colleagues have developed a tumor-specific imaging strategy that uses the progression elevated gene-3 (PEG-3) promoter, known to be specifically associated with malignant transformation, to selectively drive the expression of luciferase or herpes simplex virus 1 thymidine kinase reporters. Systemic delivery of PEG-3 promoter–driven constructs using a nonviral gene delivery vehicle allowed detection of both primary tumors and micrometastatic disease in mouse models of human melanoma and breast cancer.
- Hyo-eun C Bhang
- Kathleen L Gabrielson
- Martin G Pomper
