Advancements in human genomics over the last two decades have shown that cancer is mediated by somatic\naberration in the host genome. This discovery has incited enthusiasm among cancer researchers; many now use\ntherapeutic approaches in genetic manipulation to improve cancer regression and find a potential cure for the\ndisease. Such gene therapy includes transferring genetic material into a host cell through viral (or bacterial) and\nnon-viral vectors, immunomodulation of tumor cells or the host immune system, and manipulation of the tumor\nmicroenvironment, to reduce tumor vasculature or to increase tumor antigenicity for better recognition by the\nhost immune system. Overall, modest success has been achieved with relatively minimal side effects. Previous\napproaches to cancer treatment, such as retrovirus integration into the host genome with the risk of mutagenesis\nand second malignancies, immunogenicity against the virus and/or tumor, and resistance to treatment with disease\nrelapse, have markedly decreased with the new generation of viral and non-viral vectors. Several tumor-specific\nantibodies and genetically modified immune cells and vaccines have been developed, yet few are presently\ncommercially available, while many others are still ongoing in clinical trials. It is anticipated that gene therapy will\nplay an important role in future cancer therapy as part of a multimodality treatment, in combination with, or\nfollowing other forms of cancer therapy, such as surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. The type and mode of gene\ntherapy will be determined based on an individual�s genomic constituents, as well as his or her tumor specifics,\ngenetics, and host immune status, to design a multimodality treatment that is unique to each individual�s specific\nneeds.
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