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.