Gene therapy of benign gynecological diseases

Adv Drug Deliv Rev. 2009 Aug 10;61(10):822-35. doi: 10.1016/j.addr.2009.04.023. Epub 2009 May 13.

Abstract

Gene therapy is the introduction of genetic material into patient's cells to achieve therapeutic benefit. Advances in molecular biology techniques and better understanding of disease pathogenesis have validated the use of a variety of genes as potential molecular targets for gene therapy based approaches. Gene therapy strategies include: mutation compensation of dysregulated genes; replacement of defective tumor-suppressor genes; inactivation of oncogenes; introduction of suicide genes; immunogenic therapy and antiangiogenesis based approaches. Preclinical studies of gene therapy for various gynecological disorders have not only shown to be feasible, but also showed promising results in diseases such as uterine leiomyomas and endometriosis. In recent years, significant improvement in gene transfer technology has led to the development of targetable vectors, which have fewer side-effects without compromising their efficacy. This review provides an update on developing gene therapy approaches to treat common gynecological diseases such as uterine leiomyoma and endometriosis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Endometriosis / genetics
  • Endometriosis / therapy
  • Female
  • Gene Transfer Techniques
  • Genetic Therapy*
  • Genetic Vectors
  • Genital Diseases, Female* / genetics
  • Genital Diseases, Female* / therapy
  • Genital Neoplasms, Female* / genetics
  • Genital Neoplasms, Female* / therapy
  • Humans
  • Leiomyoma / genetics
  • Leiomyoma / therapy