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European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging

Published in:

01-12-2005 | Supplement

Human gene therapy and imaging: cardiology

Authors: Joseph C. Wu, Seppo Yla-Herttuala

Published in: European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging | Special Issue 2/2005

Abstract

This review discusses the basics of cardiovascular gene therapy, the results of recent human clinical trials, and the rapid progress in imaging techniques in cardiology. Improved understanding of the molecular and genetic basis of coronary heart disease has made gene therapy a potential new alternative for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Experimental studies have established the proof-of-principle that gene transfer to the cardiovascular system can achieve therapeutic effects. First human clinical trials provided initial evidence of feasibility and safety of cardiovascular gene therapy. However, phase II/III clinical trials have so far been rather disappointing and one of the major problems in cardiovascular gene therapy has been the inability to verify gene expression in the target tissue. New imaging techniques could significantly contribute to the development of better gene therapeutic approaches. Although the exact choice of imaging modality will depend on the biological question asked, further improvement in image resolution and detection sensitivity will be needed for all modalities as we move from imaging of organs and tissues to imaging of cells and genes.

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Title: Human gene therapy and imaging: cardiology
Authors: Joseph C. Wu
Seppo Yla-Herttuala
Publication date: 01-12-2005
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging / Issue Special Issue 2/2005
Print ISSN: 1619-7070
Electronic ISSN: 1619-7089
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00259-005-1897-6

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