Gene therapy for cancer.

Advances in molecular biology and technology now being made will open the way to using gene transfer as a therapeutic option for patients with cancer. Since there are > 5,000 known genetic diseases, the potential impact of these techniques is enormous. Possibilities for the application of gene therapy are emerging and along with them complex safety, ethical, and financial issues that will require resolution. Many of these concerns will become relevant to the oncology nurse, who will need to understand the science, ethics, safety considerations, and impact of this experimental therapy on the patient. Since gene therapy is a rapidly evolving method of treatment, it will be a challenge to remain up to date and knowledgeable.