Gene Therapy Used in Cancer Treatment

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Gene Therapy
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Cancer remains a significant global health challenge, necessitating novel therapeutic strategies beyond conventional treatments due to their frequent toxicities.
• Gene therapy has emerged as a key research area, with over 60% of ongoing clinical trials worldwide focused on cancer treatment.
• A clear unmet medical need exists for innovative cancer therapies with improved efficacy and reduced side effects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive overview of viral and non-viral vectors used in cancer gene therapy.
• To highlight various gene therapy strategies employed for different cancer types.
• To review key clinical trial results and advancements in cancer gene therapy.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on gene therapy vectors and methods for cancer treatment.
• Analysis of gene therapy strategies including suicide gene therapy, anti-angiogenic therapy, oncolytic virotherapy, and immune modulation.
• Examination of clinical trial data for various cancer types, including brain, lung, breast, and pancreatic cancer.

Main Results:

• Gene therapy approaches encompass a wide range of strategies targeting diverse cancers.
• Viral and non-viral vectors are crucial for delivering therapeutic genes.
• Two gene therapy products for cancer have received market approval, both in China, indicating progress in the field.

Conclusions:

• Gene therapy offers a promising avenue for novel cancer treatments, addressing limitations of conventional therapies.
• The development and application of diverse gene therapy vectors and methods are advancing cancer care.
• Continued research and clinical trials are essential for realizing the full potential of gene therapy in oncology.