Work

Perspectives in vector development for systemic cancer gene therapy.

Year: 2009

Type: article

Abstract: Gene therapy is perceived as a revolutionary technology with the promise to cure almost any disease, provided that we understand its genetic basis. However, enthusiasm has rapidly abated as multiple clinical trials have failed to show efficacy. The limiting factor seems to be the lack of a suitable delivery system to carry the therapeutic genes to the target tissue safely and efficiently. Therefore, advancements in cancer gene therapy in general depend on the development of novel vectors with maximum therapeutic efficacy at the target site and minimal toxicity to normal tissues. This mini-review highlights both the major fortes and the unique challenges associated with the state-of-the-art gene carriers currently being used in cancer gene therapy.

Source: PubMed

Authors: Arash Hatefi, Brenda F Canine

Institution: Washington State University

Language: English

Topic: Virus-based gene therapy research

Subfield: Genetics

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funder: National Institute of General Medical Sciences

Award: Training in Biotechnology: Emphasis in Protein Chemistry