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The three sections of this volume present currently available cancer gene therapy techniques. Part I describes the various aspects of gene delivery. In Part II, the contributors discuss strategies and targets for the treatment of cancer. Finally, in Part III, experts discuss the difficulties inherent in bringing gene therapy treatment for cancer to the clinic. This book will prove valuable as the volume of preclinical and clinical data continues to increase.
The possibility of treating cancer, a disease defined by genetic defects, by introducing
genes targeting these very alterations has led to an immense interest in gene therapy for
cancer. Although incremental successes have been realized, enthusiasm for gene therapy
has declined due to an increasing number of obstacles. These obstacles include vector
systems that do not reach systemic metastases, therapeutic genes with redundant mechanisms
allowing for cellular resistance, and toxicities in clinical trials leading to premature
closure of these studies. Different tactics to overcome or circumvent these obstacles have
catalyzed the development of a wide range of gene therapy approaches. Thus far, almost
two-thirds of gene therapy trials have focused on cancer. This reflects the concept that
gene therapy approaches for the treatment of cancer do not necessarily require long-term
expression of the gene as is necessary for the treatment of primary genetic defects like
hemophilia or juvenile diabetes. Unlike the treatment of genetic defects, where expression
of the corrected gene needs to be strong, permanent and, sometimes regulated, tactics
to treat tumors can be based on temporary and locally limited effects. In addition, cancer
cells have different properties than normal cells and this allows for targeting gene therapy
to specific cells, a major advantage over current antitumor therapies, which are also toxic
to normal cells and tissues. |
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