Molecular aspects of bladder cancer IV: gene therapy of bladder cancer

Cancer gene therapy is the applied consequence of the intense research on cell function during the last decades. With the discovery of genes, the genetic code and gene functions many diseases, like bladder cancer, were linked to dysfunction of the cell's genetic material. Soon the wish for a direct treatment of the underlying cause of such genetically based diseases, a "gene therapy", arose and the first successful attempt in 1990 jumpstarted the development of gene therapies [Hum. Gene Ther. 4 (1993) 521], especially for cancer.To date treatment of bladder cancer remains a challenge to physicians. In spite of advances in diagnose and treatment over the last decades recurrence and progression rates remain high, especially in superficial bladder cancer. Gene therapy may provide the yet missing additional treatment to finally achieve a reduction of recurrence and progression. The variety of gene therapy strategies for bladder cancer developed or under investigation reflects the desire for a further treatment option for bladder cancer. This review intends to explain general strategies and state of the art approaches in bladder cancer gene therapy, highlight recent advances and give an outlook on what to expect from gene therapy in future.