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Gene Therapy for Cancer 2007 Edition
Contributor(s): Hunt, Kelly K. (Editor), Vorburger, Stephan A. (Editor), Swisher, Stephen G. (Editor)
ISBN: 1588294722     ISBN-13: 9781588294722
Publisher: Humana
OUR PRICE:   $208.99  
Product Type: Hardcover - Other Formats
Published: February 2007
Qty:
Annotation:

The possibility of treating cancer, a disease frequently defined by
genetic defects, by introducing genes that target these very
alterations has generated tremendous enthusiasm. This enthusiasm,
however, has been tempered by an increasing number of obstacles to
successful therapy, including vector systems that do not reach systemic
metastases, therapeutic genes with redundant mechanisms allowing for
cellular resistance, and toxicities in clinical trials that result in
premature closure. The three comprehensive sections of this volume
present currently available cancer gene therapy techniques, with
specific attention to these trouble spots. Part I describes the various
aspects of gene delivery including vehicles, or vectors, and their
respective characteristics and production methods. In Part II, the
contributors discuss strategies and targets for the treatment of
cancer, including methods for cell-death therapies, correction of
underlying genetic defects at the molecular level, and activation of
the immune system or tumor microenvironment. The contributors provide a
succinct framework for understanding the basic underlying oncogenic
changes, which encourages the development of vectors engineered to
exploit these gene mutations through selective spread of the vector in
tumor cells with the specific changes. Finally, in Part III, experts in
clinical gene therapy trials discuss the difficulties inherent in
bringing gene therapy treatment for cancer to the clinic, andprincipal
investigators present gene therapy approaches in the clinical testing
stage and the results that have reached the stage of clinical
testing.of these trials.
Additional Information
BISAC Categories:
- Medical | Oncology - General
- Medical | Hematology
Dewey: 614.599
LCCN: 2006012653
Series: Cancer Drug Discovery & Development
Physical Information: 0.92" H x 7.22" W x 10.19" (2.55 lbs) 469 pages
 
Descriptions, Reviews, Etc.
Publisher Description:
The possibility of treating cancer, a disease defined by genetic defects, by introducing genes targeting these very alterations has led to an immense interest in gene therapy for cancer. Although incremental successes have been realized, enthusiasm for gene therapy has declined due to an increasing number of obstacles. These obstacles include vector systems that do not reach systemic metastases, therapeutic genes with redundant mec- nisms allowing for cellular resistance, and toxicities in clinical trials leading to premature closure of these studies. Different tactics to overcome or circumvent these obstacles have catalyzed the development of a wide range of gene therapy approaches. Thus far, almost two-thirds of gene therapy trials have focused on cancer. This reflects the concept that gene therapy approaches for the treatment of cancer do not necessarily require long-term expression of the gene as is necessary for the treatment of primary genetic defects like hemophilia or juvenile diabetes. Unlike the treatment of genetic defects, where expr- sion of the corrected gene needs to be strong, permanent and, sometimes regulated, tactics to treat tumors can be based on temporary and locally limited effects. In addition, cancer cells have different properties than normal cells and this allows for targeting gene therapy to specific cells, a major advantage over current antitumor therapies, which are also toxic to normal cells and tissues.