[Molecular therapy in malignant tumors].

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Molecular Biology
• Genetics

Context:

• Gene therapy and somatic-cell therapy represent novel strategies in cancer treatment.
• Current methods for gene delivery, including physico-chemical means, viral vectors, and direct DNA injection, have limitations in efficacy.
• The complexity of cancer, characterized by numerous genetic mutations and tumor heterogeneity, presents significant challenges for therapeutic interventions.

Purpose:

• To explore the potential of gene therapy and somatic-cell therapy in treating cancer.
• To review current gene delivery methods and their associated challenges.
• To discuss the theoretical basis and practical attempts at correcting genetic defects in cancer cells.

Summary:

• Gene therapy aims to alter cancer cell genetics, while somatic-cell therapy uses modified living cells. Early attempts focus on repairing tumor suppressor genes or suppressing oncogenes.
• Strategies include direct gene transfer, such as introducing wild-type p53 into lung cancers, and enhancing tumor immunogenicity by modifying tumor cells or immune cells (e.g., T-cells) with therapeutic genes like TNF-alpha or GM-CSF.
• Despite early successes and ongoing research, gene therapy is not expected to be a definitive cancer cure soon, emphasizing the need for continued clinical and laboratory investigation.

Impact:

• Gene therapy and somatic-cell therapy hold promise for improving cancer patient care through targeted genetic interventions.
• Further research is crucial to overcome current limitations in gene delivery and efficacy.
• These advanced therapies may enhance tumor immunogenicity and provide new avenues for cancer treatment.