Gene Therapy for Lung Diseases

Abstract

Gene therapy is the use of exogenous DNA to manipulate the target cell genome to achieve a therapeutic effect. These techniques have expanded rapidly in the last 5 years, with human trials involving treatment for cystic fibrosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. Approaches to more effective DNA delivery in vivo include the use of viral and nonviral vector systems. Each of these systems has advantages and disadvantages, and, thus, the approaches to vector systems are changing rapidly. In the future, the pulmonary physician may have these newly developed therapeutic strategies added to the current armamentarium to combat a variety of lung diseases.