The field of gene therapy promises to dramatically transform the treatment of disease, as well as fundamentally change the delivery of health care in the 21st century. A new book provides a comprehensive review of the field of gene-based therapeutics in an expanded third edition textbook that concentrates on advances in areas that were in their infancy when the last edition was published in 2002.
The book, Gene Therapy of Cancer Translational Approaches from Preclinical Studies to Clinical Implementation 3 (Elsevier Limited, Oxford, United Kingdom), is co-edited by investigators Stanton L. Gerson, Distinguished University Professor and the Asa and Patricia Shiverick- Jane Shiverick (Tripp) Professor of Hematological Oncology at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, and Edmund C. Lattime of the Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey.
The book places a new focus on studies in the expanded efforts in oncolytic viruses and genetic fusion vaccines, taking advantage of recent clinical advancements. The third edition concentrates on advances in non-viral vector development, including the use of inhibitory RNA. Further emphasis has been added on the defined field of drug resistance gene therapy, as well as on the use of imaging factors in gene therapy approaches. New chapters cover insider perspectives on regulatory review and approval from the National Cancer Institute and the Food and Drug Administration.
“Gene therapy is revolutionizing the world of medicine,” said Gerson, who also is director of the National Center for Regenerative Medicine and the Case Comprehensive Cancer Center and director of the Seidman Cancer Center at University Hospitals Case Medical Center. “We are at the water shed point in the use of gene therapy for cancer, as in many other fields. We expect that this will change the practice of cancer treatment both in areas of vaccine development, and new treatments for advanced disease.
“Because of a plethora of advances since the textbook was last published, Dr. Lattime and I undertook a complete revamp of the content, authors and scientific focal areas to emphasize in this a new, revised edition of Gene Therapy. This textbook serves as an essential reference for scientists, researchers, practitioners and students that are embracing the latest advances in gene therapy technology and clinical application,” said Gerson.
Gerson has earned multiple National Institutes of Health grants and published more than 220 journal articles, 260 abstracts and 29 book chapters. Gerson is also co-editor of the textbook Clinical Hematology, published in 2005. His research has led to 16 patents in gene therapy and cancer drug development, which have been licensed to three companies.
Lattime is the deputy director at Rutgers Cancer Center Institute of New Jersey, as well as the associate director for education and training. He is also a professor of surgery, and professor of biochemistry and molecular genetics at the Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.