Genetic therapy - Past, present, and future

Because of its promise, few fields of biomedical research have captured the public's imagination as has genetic therapy. Genetic therapy has the potential to prevent, correct, or ameliorate various genetic and nongenetic conditions, provided that methods of delivering DNA to affected cells are safe, efficient, and selective. Yet these technologies are still in their infancy, and although the early results of some clinical trials are encouraging, no one has yet been cured with genetic therapy. Progress in the field is Limited by the shortcomings of the available vectors used for gene transfer. The development and improvement of viral and nonviral vectors may allow them to reach their potential and serve as alternative therapies for disease.