Gene therapy and cervical cancer: An overview

OBJECTIVE To provide a current overview of cancer gene therapy strategies in carcinoma of the cervix. DATA SOURCES A MEDLINE computerized search of articles was performed using the MeSH headings of cervical carcinoma, cervical neoplasia, and gene therapy. Additional sources were identified through cross-referencing. METHODS OF STUDY SELECTION All identified references were reviewed with attention to their particular relevance to gene therapy and cervical cancer. RESULTS Each reference was reviewed to assess the relevant contribution to gene therapy in the setting of cervical cancer. CONCLUSIONS There have been numerous important findings and advances in the field of gene therapy and cervical cancer. Many of these will need to be translated to the bedside as human clinical protocols. Additional work will need to be done to investigate ways to improve gene transduction and antitumor effects while minimizing untoward effects to normal, non-neoplastic tissues.