Characterization and Analysis of Exosome-Based Gene-Directed Enzyme Prodrug Therapy for Brain Cancer
Date of Award
6-2026
Document Type
Thesis
Publisher
Santa Clara : Santa Clara University, 2026
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Bioengineering
First Advisor
Bill Lu
Abstract
The objective of this research is to test the efficacy of the prodrug ganciclovir on stable cell lines expressing the herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase enzyme. U-87 glioblastoma cells and HepG2 hepatocellular carcinoma cells are used for this analysis. U-87 cells provide insights into the potential for treating brain cancer, while HepG2 cells provide an established comparison. Current therapy options for brain cancer are invasive, non-specific, or only increase survival by a few months. This novel therapy aims to provide a specific, targeted brain cancer therapy that is safe and effective at killing all cancerous cells through exosomal drug delivery. Stable cell lines are first established in U-87 and HepG2 cells. Exosomes are harvested and characterized from these cells, and toxicity assays are performed to obtain cell count and growth rate data. These counts and growth rates are statistically analyzed using t-tests and 2-way ANOVA. Results show that there is limited effect of ganciclovir on cell growth, only seen in high doses in a few cell samples. However, early evidence suggests that, under higher protein expression levels, ganciclovir will have the intended effect. With further testing and analysis, this therapy can be further characterized and improved.
Recommended Citation
Madden, Seth, "Characterization and Analysis of Exosome-Based Gene-Directed Enzyme Prodrug Therapy for Brain Cancer" (2026). Bioengineering Master's Theses. 19.
https://scholarcommons.scu.edu/bioe_mstr/19
