Gene therapy for cardiovascular disease: the potential of VEGF.
The quest for new therapeutic options and the recent exponential explosion in our knowledge of genetics have led to active interest and research into gene therapy. One area of gene therapy that has generated much debate and controversy is the use of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) for therapeutic angiogenesis for palliative intent, and for the prevention of restenosis following percutaneous revascularization in coronary and peripheral arterial disease. This review highlights the development in VEGF gene therapy in the last 12 to 18 months, particularly the results from randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase I and II studies that have evolved from encouraging results from animal models and early pilot studies in humans.
Tiong
Alice
A
University of Sydney, Vascular Biology Laboratory, Anzac Research Institute, Sydney, NSW 2139, Australia.
Freedman
Saul Benedict
SB
D000818:Animals; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000235:genetics* / Q000628:therapy*; D017321:Clinical Trials, Phase I as Topic; D017322:Clinical Trials, Phase II as Topic; D023903:Coronary Restenosis / Q000517:prevention & control; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D015316:Genetic Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D018919:Neovascularization, Physiologic; D010919:Placebos; D040262:Receptors, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D011994:Recombinant Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism / Q000627:therapeutic use; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D010919:Placebos; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D040262:Receptors, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor