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Gene Therapy for Malignant and Benign Gynaecological Disorders: A Systematic Review of an Emerging Success Story
Ekati Drakopoulou1, Nicholas P Anagnou1, Kalliopi I Pappa1,2
1Laboratory of Cell and Gene Therapy, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens (BRFAA), 11527 Athens, Greece.
Abstract:
Despite the major advances in screening and therapeutic approaches, gynaecological malignancies still present as a leading cause of death among women of reproductive age. Cervical cancer, although largely preventable through vaccination and regular screening, remains the fourth most common and most lethal cancer type in women, while the available treatment schemes still pose a fertility threat. Ovarian cancer is associated with high morbidity rates, primarily due to lack of symptoms and high relapse rates following treatment, whereas endometrial cancer, although usually curable by surgery, it still represents a therapeutic problem. On the other hand, benign abnormalities, such as fibroids, endometriosis, placental, and embryo implantation disorders, although not life-threatening, significantly affect women's life and fertility and have high socio-economic impacts. In the last decade, targeted gene therapy approaches toward both malignant and benign gynaecological abnormalities have led to promising results, setting the ground for successful clinical trials. The above therapeutic strategies employ both viral and non-viral systems for mutation compensation, suicide gene therapy, oncolytic virotherapy, antiangiogenesis and immunopotentiation. This review discusses all the major advances in gene therapy of gynaecological disorders and highlights the novel and potentially therapeutic perspectives associated with such an approach.
Insights
Gene therapy offers promising new treatments for gynecological disorders, including cancers and benign conditions, addressing fertility concerns and improving outcomes. This approach utilizes viral and non-viral systems for various therapeutic strategies, paving the way for clinical trials.
Area of Science:
- Gynecological Oncology
- Gene Therapy
- Reproductive Medicine
Background:
- Gynecological malignancies remain a leading cause of death in women, with cervical, ovarian, and endometrial cancers posing significant challenges.
- Benign gynecological conditions like fibroids and endometriosis also impact women's health, fertility, and quality of life.
- Current treatments for gynecological disorders often carry risks to fertility, necessitating innovative therapeutic strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in gene therapy for gynecological malignancies and benign disorders.
- To highlight novel therapeutic perspectives and potential clinical applications of gene therapy in gynecology.
- To discuss the mechanisms and systems employed in gene therapy for gynecological conditions.
Main Methods:
- Review of literature on gene therapy applications in gynecological disorders.
- Analysis of viral and non-viral gene delivery systems.
- Discussion of therapeutic strategies including mutation compensation, suicide gene therapy, oncolytic virotherapy, antiangiogenesis, and immunopotentiation.
Main Results:
- Targeted gene therapy approaches have shown promising results for both malignant and benign gynecological abnormalities.
- Gene therapy offers potential solutions for fertility preservation in gynecological cancer patients.
- Successful clinical trials are emerging, supported by advancements in gene delivery and therapeutic strategies.
Conclusions:
- Gene therapy represents a significant advancement in treating gynecological disorders, offering new hope for improved patient outcomes.
- The versatility of gene therapy, utilizing various systems and strategies, makes it a powerful tool for gynecological conditions.
- Further research and clinical trials are essential to fully realize the therapeutic potential of gene therapy in gynecology.
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