Neuroblastoma is one of the most common childhood cancers. Angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels, is central to the progression of cancer, and it is known that inhibiting angiogenesis can literally starve a tumor to death. We hypothesize that delivering a particular gene called pigment epithelium derived factor (PEDF) to the liver has the potential to inhibit angiogenesis and restrict the growth of neuroblastoma. PEDF is known to be a highly potent angiogenesis inhibitor and also is capable of inducing neuroblastoma cells to mature, decreasing their malignant potential. My research is focused on using viruses as vectors to carry the gene for PEDF to the liver. The data being developed from these studies are likely also to be applicable to other types of cancer, and even to other diseases in which angiogenesis contributes to the disease phase.

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