Current status of gene therapy for lung cancer

Abstract

Lung cancer is one of the most prevalent cancers and the leading cause of death due to cancer in the world, accounting for more than 28% of all cancer deaths. Despite progress in conventional therapies (surgery, chemotherapy, radiation), the 5-year survival rate remains below 15%. Thus, it is clear that there is a need for novel therapeutic paradigms. Recent advances in our understanding of the biology of lung cancer have led to the development of novel therapies directed at tumor-specific targets. In this regard, gene therapy has emerged as an exciting and promising strategy for the treatment of lung cancer. Several gene-based approaches have been devised to treat lung cancer, by direct control of cancer cell proliferation, by activation of an immune response against the tumor or by inhibition of angiogenesis. Adenoviruses are the vectors used most commonly to deliver genes for lung cancer cells. This review focuses on the known genetic defects that occur in lung cancer, the gene therapy strategies suggested by such defects, and the approaches currently under development for the treatment of this disease.