Textbook of Gene Therapy

Gene therapy has become an increasingly important area in the medical world and has already been used in practice in a limited capacity. In this work, the author presents a critical review of the progress which has been made in the field of gene therapy, and explores the possibilities.

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During the past eight years following initial gene therapy experiments, more than 200 clinical protocols have been submitted worldwide and more than 2000 patients have been treated. Although a lot remains to be accomplished before gene therapy becomes a standard medical practice, enough information has accumulated to justify a textbook on the subject. Some of the procedures and products are already in the marketplace and medical practice. The public is very much aware of the potential of gene therapy and the medical profession should prepare itself for the new developments by learning about the basics and applications of these techniques. Much of the research has been conducted in the biopharmaceutical industry by gene therapy companies and the commercial opportunities for gene therapy are enormous. A large segment of the society, thus has an interest in gene therapy, and this book presents a critical review of the progress which has been made in this field.
This book is aimed at physicians, gene therapists, molecular biologists, nurse practitioners and students in these fields, as well as other healthcare professionals interested in developments in the field of gene therapy and its impact, both short- and long-term, on the practice of medicine. Industrial executives planning long-term strategies in gene therapy should find this textbook to be comprehensive source of information on the subject and the companies involved in developing it.