[Gene therapy in cardiovascular medicine: reality or fantasy?]

Since the discovery of DNA and the genetic code the main goals of molecular medicine have been: to understand the genetic basis of diseases, and to develop strategies capable of providing long-term cure. In the last 2 decades methodological progress has made it technically feasible to pursue both these goals. In its classical conception gene therapy consists in the introduction of genes into somatic cells in order to correct a specific genetic defect or to provide cells with a new function which will ultimately result to be advantageous for the patient. These strategies have been proposed for the treatment of numerous diseases, both hereditary, mono- or polygenic, and acquired in nature. The purpose of this review is to discuss the problems inherent in gene therapy, currently pursued strategies and future clinical perspectives.