On the strategy of using nonviral carriers in cancer gene therapy.
Effectiveness and mode of therapeutic gene delivery in vivo as well as biological safety of such transfer must be improved before widespread application of gene therapy in the clinic becomes possible. Most research has so far focused on recombinant viral delivery systems. Clinical future seems to belong, however, to nonviral delivery systems. Such systems feature DNA complexed to lipid, protein, peptide or polymeric carriers with ligands allowing in vivo tissue targeting by the complex and nuclear translocation of the exogene. Nonviral gene carrier systems are discussed together with strategies of destroying cancer cells.
Sochanik
A
A
Institute of Oncology, Department of Tumor Biology, Gliwice, Poland.
Szala
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S
D015316:Genetic Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005822:Genetic Vectors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy*