GENE-THERAPY FOR PANCREATIC-CANCER

It has been approximately 7 years since the introduction of gene thera py. Since conventional procedures such as surgery, chemotherapy, and r adiotherapy have had limited therapeutic value for cancer patients, th e evolution of gene therapy seems a promising alternative to many rese archers and clinicians. Indeed, about half of all gene therapy treatme nts are administered to patients with cancer. However, there are relat ively few studies of using gene therapy with pancreatic cancer. We wil l review the general concept of gene therapy for cancer and its accomp lishments to date. (C) 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.