Editorial
Copyright ©2006 Baishideng Publishing Group Co., Limited. All rights reserved.
World J Gastroenterol. Oct 14, 2006; 12(38): 6085-6097
Published online Oct 14, 2006. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v12.i38.6085
Gene therapy of liver cancer
Ruben Hernandez-Alcoceba, Bruno Sangro, Jesus Prieto
Ruben Hernandez-Alcoceba, Jesus Prieto, Division of Gene Therapy and Hepatology, School of Medicine, Foundation for Applied Medical Research-CIMA, University of Navarra, Spain
Bruno Sangro, Jesus Prieto, Department of Medicine, Clinica Universitaria, University of Navarra, Spain
Supported by UTE project CIMA, Ramon y Cajal Program (RH), Ministerio de Ciencia y Tecnología SAF No. 2003-08385, Gobierno de Navarra, THOVLEN VI Framework Programme European Comission
Correspondence to: Jesus Prieto, Division of Gene Therapy and Hepatology, Edificio CIMA, Av. Pio XII, 55, Pamplona 31008, Spain. jprieto@unav.es
Telephone: +34-948-194700 Fax: +34-948-194717
Received: July 4, 2006
Revised: July 8, 2006
Accepted: July 22, 2006
Published online: October 14, 2006
Abstract

The application of gene transfer technologies to the treatment of cancer has led to the development of new experimental approaches like gene directed enzyme/pro-drug therapy (GDEPT), inhibition of oncogenes and restoration of tumor-suppressor genes. In addition, gene therapy has a big impact on other fields like cancer immunotherapy, anti-angiogenic therapy and virotherapy. These strategies are being evaluated for the treatment of primary and metastatic liver cancer and some of them have reached clinical phases. We present a review on the basis and the actual status of gene therapy approaches applied to liver cancer.

Keywords: Gene therapy, Cancer, Liver, Hepatocellular carcinoma, Vector, Therapeutic gene