Techniques: MRI-directed targeting of macrophage-based cell therapies to tumors

MRI-directed targeting of engineered macrophages to tumor sites could help treat cancer. Human macrophages were engineered by infection with the oncolytic virus Seprehvir and transfection with super-paramagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles. In an orthotopic xenograft model of prostate cancer, injection of the engineered macrophages followed by MRI-directed targeting of the macrophages to the prostate gland decreased tumor size and increased tumor necrosis compared with injection of engineered macrophages without MRI-directed targeting. Next steps include testing the effects of shorter MRI imaging times on the therapeutic activity of the cells. (See "Magnetizing Macrophages", page X)...