GENE-THERAPY FOR CYSTIC-FIBROSIS - WHICH POSTMAN, WHICH BOX

Since 1989 when the gene responsible for cystic fibrosis was cloned an d designated the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator ( CFTR) gene, considerable progress has been made in the development of gene therapy for this disease. Clinical trials have already been perfo rmed using cationic liposome and adenoviral based gene transfer system s, measuring the safety and efficacy of this new form of treatment, wi th variable results to date. These two approaches and the current prog ress in airway gene delivery are discussed.