Gene Therapy Of Cancer

The Second Edition of Gene Therapy of Cancer provides crucial updates on the basic science and ongoing research in this field, examining the state of the art technology in gene therapy and its therapeutic applications to the treatment of cancer. The clinical chapters are improved to include new areas of research and more successful trials. Chapters emphasize the scientific basis of gene therapy using immune, oncogene, antisense, pro-drug activating, and drug resistance gene targets, while other chapters discuss therapeutic approaches and clinical applications. This book is a valuable reference for anyone needing to stay abreast of the latest advances in gene therapy treatment for cancer. Key Features * Provides in-depth description of targeted systems and treatment strategies * Explains the underlying cancer biology necessary for understanding a given therapeutic approach * Extensively covers immune therapeutics of vaccines, cytokines, and peptide-induced responses * Presents translational focus with emphasis on requirements for clinical implementation * Incorporates detailed illustrations of vectors and therapeutic approaches ideal for classroom presentations and general reference

The three sections of this volume present currently available cancer gene therapy techniques. Part I describes the various aspects of gene delivery. In Part II, the contributors discuss strategies and targets for the treatment of cancer. Finally, in Part III, experts discuss the difficulties inherent in bringing gene therapy treatment for cancer to the clinic. This book will prove valuable as the volume of preclinical and clinical data continues to increase.

A complete introduction and guide to the latest developments in cancer gene therapy-from bench to bedside. The authors comprehensively review the anticancer genes and gene delivery methods currently available for cancer gene therapy, including the transfer of genetic material into the cancer cells, stimulation of the immune system to recognize and eliminate cancer cells, and the targeting of the nonmalignant stromal cells that support their growth. They also thoroughly examine the advantages and limitations of the different therapies and detail strategies to overcome obstacles to their clinical implementation. Topics of special interest include vector-targeting techniques, the lessons learned to date from clinical trials of cancer gene therapy, and the regulatory guidelines for future trials. Noninvasive techniques to monitor the extent of gene transfer and disease regression during the course of treatment are also discussed.

Since the discovery of the molecular structure of genes and the unveiling of the molecular basis of numerous human diseases, scientists have been fas- nated with the possibility of treating certain diseases by transducing foreign DNA into the affected cells. Initially, it was proposed that the foreign DNA could either replace defective nonfunctional genes, or code for therapeutic proteins. This concept has evolved into the rapidly growing field of gene therapy. Even though surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy are widely ava- able and routinely used for cancer treatment, these therapies fail to cure approximately 50 percent of cancer patients. Therefore, since it is a disease characterized by aberrant gene expression, cancer has been a target of gene therapy research since the inception of this treatment modality. Numerous cancer gene therapy strategies are currently being investigated, including gene replacement therapy, the regulation of gene expression to modulate immu- logical responses to tumors, the direct killing of tumor cells, and direct int- ference with tumor growth. In this context, gene transfer systems, tumor-specific expression vectors, and novel therapeutic genes have been extensively st- ied. All these strategies aim for the selective destruction of human malignant disease while circumventing the destruction of nonmalignant cells and tissues thereby minimizing toxicity to the patient.

Cancer gene therapy is a novel therapy that targets the underlying genetic defects in the cancer cell. Progress in this field has been rapid and gene therapy promises to further extend personalized cancer treatment. In this volume leading experts have contributed their experience in developing gene therapies for a variety of cancers. Translational gene therapy approaches are emphasized. Chapters include discussions of specific gene delivery technologies as well as their application to various cancers with extensive discussions of ongoing clinical trials. This information should be useful to both students, fellows, and experienced scientists with an interest in this rapidly developing area.

The complexity of cancer demands an integrated approach from both a cancer biology standpoint and a pharmaceutical basis to understand the different anticancer modalities. Current research has been focused on conventional and newer anticancer modalities, recent discoveries in cancer research, and also the advancements in cancer treatment. There is a current need for more research on the advances in cancer therapeutics that bridge the gap between basic research (pharmaceutical drug development processes, regulatory issues, and translational experimentation) and clinical application. Recent promising discoveries such as immunotherapies, promising therapies undergoing clinical trials, synthetic lethality, carbon beam radiation, and other exciting targeted therapies are being studied to improve and advance the studies of modern cancer treatment. The Handbook of Research on Advancements in Cancer Therapeutics serves as a comprehensive guide in modern cancer treatment by combining and merging the knowledge from both cancer biology and the pharmacology of anticancer modalities. The chapters come from multi-disciplinary backgrounds, including scientists and clinicians from both academia and various industries, to discuss nascent personalized therapies and big data-driven cancer treatment. While highlighting topic areas that include cancer prevention, cancer therapeutics, and cancer treatments through the lenses of technology, medicine/drugs, and alternate therapies, this book is ideally intended for oncologists, radiation oncologists, surgical oncologists, and cancer biologists, along with practitioners, stakeholders, researchers, academicians, and students who are interested in understanding the most fundamental aspects of cancer and the available therapeutic opportunities.

Clinical and preclinical exploration of gene and cellular immunotherapy have seen rapid growth and interest with the development and approval of five Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell (CAR-T) products for lymphoma and myeloma and one Bispecific T-Cell Engager (BiTE) for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). These advances have dramatically improved the management of patients with relapsed refractory lymphoma, myeloma and leukemia. Gene and Cellular Immunotherapy for Cancer offers readers a comprehensive review of current cellular and gene-based immunotherapies. Divided into eighteen cohesive chapters, this book provides an in-depth and detailed look into cellular-based immunotherapies including CAR-T, TCR-T, TIL, Viral CTLs, NK cells in addition to T/NK cell engagers, focusing on their historical perspectives, biology, development and manufacturing, toxicities and more. Edited by two leading experts on gene and cellular immunotherapy, the book will feature chapters written by a diverse collection of recognized and up-and-coming experts and researchers in the field, providing oncologists, immunologists, researchers and clinical and basic science trainees with a bench to bedside view of the latest developments in the field.

Genes, which are carried on chromosomes, are the basic physical and functional units of heredity. Genes are specific sequences of bases that encode instructions on how to make proteins. Although genes get a lot of attention, it's the proteins that perform most life functions and even make up the majority of cellular structures. When genes are altered so that the encoded proteins are unable to carry out their normal functions, genetic disorders can result. Gene therapy is an experimental treatment that involves introducing genetic material into a person's cells to fight disease. Gene therapy is being studied in clinical trials for many different types of cancer and for numerous other diseases. This new book offers the latest research in a field bursting with new developments, hope and expectations.