title: Entering the gene therapy era.
abstract: Gene therapy is a new modality with the potential for treating a variety of diseases, inherited or acquired. Although the initial clinical trials, particularly those for cystic fibrosis, have not been successful, the preliminary results of more recent studies of gene therapy for myocardial infarction are encouraging. New plasmids, viral and nonviral vectors, and applications are being developed at a rapid pace. A switch is now inserted in the plasmids so that the therapeutic gene can be turned on and off as needed. A chimeric RNA/DNA oligonucleotide has also been designed so that mutated genes can be converted to normal sequences. These and other novel approaches soon will propel the gene therapy industry into reality. Healthcare providers and educators need to be prepared for the coming of the gene therapy era.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, University of Arizona Health Sciences Center, Tucson 85724, USA.
authors.forename: Y H
authors.initials: YH
authors.lastname: Lien
authors.forename: L W
authors.initials: LW
authors.lastname: Lai
mesh_terms: D015316:Genetic Therapy; D005822:Genetic Vectors; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy; D010957:Plasmids