Gene therapy in cancer.
Genetics have and will continue to have a strong and often controversial impact on our lives. Since the first human gene therapy in 1989, data from some 400 officially approved trials have been reported; only a handful appears promising. Of course, one must discern between gene replacements that correct inherited genetic disorders for life and the specific replacement of mutant genes that initiate or maintain the malignant phenotype with a correct gene copy. A truly reliable, safe, and efficient gene delivery system is not yet available, and many techniques have serious limitations or may be outright dangerous. Nevertheless, strong scientific and economic forces keep driving genetic research in cancer, with the promise of immortal fame (and even greater monetary rewards).
Kellen
John A
JA
Sunnybrook and Women's Health Science Center, Department of Pathobiology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Toronto, 2075 Bayview Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M4N 3M5. eljan@sprint.ca
D016503:Drug Delivery Systems; D015972:Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; D018014:Gene Transfer Techniques; D015316:Genetic Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005822:Genetic Vectors; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics / Q000628:therapy*; D014780:Viruses