Gene therapy--when a simple concept meets a complex reality. Review on gene therapy

In theory, gene therapy is a simple concept which holds great promise as a cure for disease. In practice, however, considerable obstacles have to be overcome, including problems with safe and efficient gene delivery and stable gene expression. This review gives an overview on the history of gene therapy and analyses some of the problems that have so far prevented the establishment of a successful clinical protocol. The future prospects of gene therapy are discussed.