SOMATIC GENE-THERAPY IN OTOLARYNGOLOGY-HEAD AND NECK-SURGERY

The initial clinical trials of somatic gene therapy have demonstrated that gene transfer can be performed safely in a clinical setting and w ith public acceptance. These trials have focused attention on the broa d applications of this technology in routine medical and surgical prac tice. This article reviews the reasons why somatic gene therapy could lead to significant improvements in clinical practice as well as speci fic therapies in otolaryngology-head and neck surgery. Early applicati ons include the treatment of inherited diseases such as cystic fibrosi s, new approaches for treating malignancies, new methods for enhancing tissue repair, and regeneration after plastic and reconstructive surg ery, and the potential for using the thyroid as a target for somatic g ene therapy. The following review will illustrate how somatic gene the rapy may have a significant impact not only on the treatment of rare g enetic diseases but on managing the common problems encountered by phy sicians and patients in daily practice.