Review
The feasibility of gene therapy in the treatment of head and neck cancer
1 Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Medical Oncology, University of Verona, Piazzale Stefani 1, 37126, Verona, Italy
2 Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University, Huntington, WV 25755, USA
3 Department of Surgery, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University, Huntington, WV 25755, USA
Head & Neck Oncology 2009, 1:3 doi:10.1186/1758-3284-1-3
Published: 12 January 2009Abstract
Standard approach to the treatment of head and neck cancer include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. More recently, dramatic increases in our knowledge of the molecular and genetic basis of cancer combined with advances in technology have resulted in novel molecular therapies for this disease. In particular, gene therapy, which involves the transfer of genetic material to cells to produce a therapeutic effect, has become a promising approach. Clinical trials concerning gene therapy strategies in head and neck cancer as well as combination of these strategies with chemotherapy and radiation therapy will be discussed.
