Application of Vector Mediated Gene Therapy in the Field of Cancer Treatment

Abstract

The recent years have witnessed a remarkable development in the field of genetic modification. Having multifarious applications in the field of medical care, a similar improvement has been observed in cancer treatment, a field where gene therapy is improved quite frequently. Gene therapy involves transforming viruses to shuttles that transfer a modified gene to the target group of cells. Vectors used can be Retroviral, Adenoviral or Adeno-Associated viral vectors depending upon the gene expression size (large/small) and the duration of expression (long/short term). The most commonly used viruses for vectors are based on adenovirus and adeno-associated viruses. Although most of it is still in the clinical trial stage, we can say that the future possibilities are surely bright for this process. The efficacy can surely be improved, and in spite of the drawbacks, it is one of the more blooming fields in the arena of both genetic engineering and medical science, with significant promises for the future.