Current role of gene therapy in head and neck cancer.
Our increasing knowledge of cancer molecular biology has led to the development of new genetic therapies for the treatment of cancer. Such therapies are advantageous in that they can selectively target tumour tissue leaving normal tissue relatively unaffected. In squamous cell cancer of the head and neck, such therapies may be beneficial in the treatment of loco-regional recurrence, minimal residual disease and in the treatment of distant metastatic disease. This article describes the principles of cancer gene therapy reviews some early clinical trials of gene therapy in head and neck cancer.
Ganly
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I
Department of Head and Neck Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Canniesburn Hospital, Switchback Road, Bearsden, Glasgow, G61 1BD, Scotland. ig8j@udcf.gla.ac.uk
Soutar
D S
DS
Kaye
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SB
D000256:Adenoviridae; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000235:genetics / Q000556:secondary / Q000628:therapy*; D016147:Genes, Tumor Suppressor; D015316:Genetic Therapy; D005822:Genetic Vectors; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007167:Immunotherapy / Q000379:methods; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000628:therapy; D018365:Neoplasm, Residual / Q000628:therapy