Gene Therapy Method Targets Tumor Blood Vessels (IMAGE) Washington University School of Medicine Caption Embargoed until 5 p.m. ET Monday, Dec. 23, 2013. Working in mice, researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis report developing a gene delivery method long sought in the field of gene therapy: a deactivated virus carrying a gene of interest that can be injected into the bloodstream and make its way to the right cells. The scientists designed a viral vector that homes in on the abnormal blood vessels of tumors, opening up new therapeutic possibilities for gene therapy against cancer and other conditions that involve abnormal vasculature. In one case, the primary kidney tumor spread to an ovary. The vectors gathering in the metastatic tumor vessels glow green, above. The red staining shows the normal blood vessels of the ovary. Credit Curiel, Arbeit Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.