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Gene Therapy as an Emerging Therapeutic Approach to Breast Cancer: New Developments and Challenges
Motahareh Sheikh-Hosseini1, Bagher Larijani2, Zahra Gholipoor Kakroodi3
1Metabolomics and Genomics Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Molecular-Cellular Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Abstract:
Breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease, which is the consequence of several genetic and environmental factors. Also, it is one of the most common causes of cancer death and second leading cancer among women all around the world. Therefore, it is necessary to develop novel therapeutic approaches useful for the successful treatment of breast cancer. As conventional treatments had limited success, alternative approaches for the treatment of breast cancer have been applied in recent years. Hence, the molecular basis of breast cancer has provided the opportunity of using genetic materials for therapeutic uses. In this regard, gene therapy as one of the potentially efficient and beneficial treatments among various techniques became a popular treatment for different cancers, especially breast cancer. Accordingly, there are plenty of targets available for gene therapy of breast cancer. Gene therapy strategies have the potential to correct molecular defects that contributed to the cancer progression. These techniques should selectively target tumor cells without affecting normal cells. Moreover, data of clinical trials in gene therapy for breast cancer indicated that this approach has little toxicity compared to other therapeutic approaches. In this study, different aspects of breast neoplasm, gene therapy techniques, challenges, and recent developments will be mentioned.
Insights
Gene therapy offers a promising approach for treating breast cancer by targeting genetic defects. This method shows potential for effective treatment with reduced toxicity compared to conventional therapies.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Genetics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Breast cancer is a leading cause of cancer death globally, necessitating advanced therapeutic strategies.
- Conventional treatments for breast cancer have limitations, driving the exploration of alternative approaches.
- The molecular complexity of breast cancer opens avenues for gene-based therapeutic interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current landscape of gene therapy for breast cancer.
- To discuss the molecular targets and strategies employed in breast cancer gene therapy.
- To highlight the challenges and recent advancements in this therapeutic field.
Main Methods:
- Review of scientific literature on breast cancer and gene therapy.
- Analysis of gene therapy techniques applicable to breast cancer.
- Examination of clinical trial data for gene therapy in breast cancer.
Main Results:
- Gene therapy presents a viable option for breast cancer treatment, addressing underlying molecular defects.
- Strategies aim to selectively target tumor cells, minimizing harm to healthy tissues.
- Clinical data suggests gene therapy for breast cancer exhibits lower toxicity than traditional methods.
Conclusions:
- Gene therapy holds significant potential as an effective and safer treatment modality for breast cancer.
- Continued research and development are crucial for overcoming challenges and optimizing gene therapy outcomes.
- This approach offers a targeted strategy to combat the heterogeneity of breast cancer.
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