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Gene therapy for cancer--in the dock, blown off course or full speed ahead?
1Imperial Cancer Research Fund Laboratory of Cancer Gene Therapy, St. Thomas' Hospital, London, UK.
Abstract:
Gene therapy no longer seems to generate the unlimited optimism that it once inspired. So much so that the field has recently attracted the close scrutinies of the Director of the NIH himself. In this introductory chapter, the background is presented to the rise, and apparent decline, of the gene therapy of cancer and serves as a prelude to this issue of Cancer Metastasis Reviews which is designed to ask whether the field is worthy of its highly-priced and highly-hyped market profile.
Insights
Gene therapy for cancer once inspired great optimism, but its progress has slowed, prompting critical review. This review examines if cancer gene therapy merits its market hype and high cost.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Gene therapy for cancer has experienced a notable decline in optimism.
- The field's trajectory has attracted significant attention from regulatory bodies, including the NIH Director.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide background on the rise and fall of cancer gene therapy.
- To critically evaluate the current market profile and scientific justification of cancer gene therapy.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of gene therapy advancements in oncology.
- Analysis of market trends and investment in cancer gene therapy.
Main Results:
- The initial optimism surrounding cancer gene therapy has waned.
- A critical assessment is needed to determine the field's true value versus its market perception.
Conclusions:
- The field of cancer gene therapy requires a re-evaluation of its scientific merit and market expectations.
- Further investigation is warranted to ascertain if cancer gene therapy is justified by its current performance and investment profile.