Gene Therapy for Cancer Treatment - Biotechnology and Your Health: Pharmaceutical Applications - page 96

7
Gene Therapy for
Cancer Treatment
Trials of gene therapy for inherited conditions have captured the most
media headlines, good and bad, but they account for less than 10%
of the 987 gene therapy trials done worldwide between 1989 and
2004. While some of the other 90% of gene therapy trials are
directed at chronic diseases such as arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and
heart disease, over two-thirds of such trials are directed toward the
treatment of cancer. Cancer gene therapy trials fall into two major
categories: those aimed at creating or strengthening an immune
response to cancer, and those targeted to a genetic alteration or
susceptibility of cancer cells (Figure 7.1). Such trials build on our
growing understanding of the immune system and/or insights into
genetic changes that take place within cancer cells. Though both
have been exciting areas of research, a great deal about the biology
of cancer cells and their interactions within the human body is not
yet fully understood.
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