Gene therapy for lung cancer

Lung cancer is the major cause of cancer-realted mortality, accounting for approximately 30% of all such deaths in the United States every year. Although few patients have been treated, the preliminary results of the phase I lung cancer gene therapy clinical trials are promising. Clinically relevant basic research in the molecular pathogenesis and immunology of lung cancer is progressing. As improved vector technologies are developed, new opportunities will be available to initiate lung cancer gene therapy trials based on a more detailed understanding of lung cancer biology. Although important biological and technical questions remain unanswered, recent research suggests that gene therapy will have a profound impact on lung cancer treatment.