Gene therapy for pancreatic cancer

It has been approximately 7 years since the introduction of gene therapy. Since conventional procedures such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy have had limited therapeutic value for cancer patients, the evolution of gene therapy seems a promising alternative to many researchers and clinicians. Indeed, about half of all gene therapy treatments are administered to patients with cancer. However, there are relatively few studies of using gene therapy with pancreatic cancer. We will review the general concept of gene therapy for cancer and its accomplishments to date. (C) 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.