Cancer Gene Therapy

Today a new generation of powerful cancer therapeutics targeted against the molecular pathways that produce malignant phenotypes is rapidly emerging. In Cancer Gene Therapy, leading basic and clinical cancer oncologists provide a complete introduction and guide to the latest developments in cancer gene therapy-from bench to bedside. In their discussions, the authors comprehensively review the anticancer genes and gene delivery methods currently available for cancer gene therapy, including the transfer of genetic material into the cancer cells, stimulation of the immune system to recognize and eliminate cancer cells, and the targeting of the nonmalignant stromal cells that support their growth. They also thoroughly examine the advantages and limitations of the different therapies and detail strategies to overcome obstacles to their clinical implementation. Topics of special interest include vector-targeting techniques, the lessons learned to date from clinical trials of cancer gene therapy, and the regulatory guidelines for future trials. Noninvasive techniques to monitor the extent of gene transfer and disease regression during the course of treatment are also discussed. Authoritative and wide ranging, Cancer Gene Therapy offers a comprehensive survey of the molecular basis of cancer gene therapy and demonstrates its enormous potential to take a place in the clinic alongside the current generation of anticancer therapeutics.