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Gene transfer for ischemic cardiovascular disease: is this the end of the beginning or the beginning of the end?

Abstract

The past decade has represented a period of high expectations for cardiovascular gene transfer on the basis of the findings from preclinical experiments and promising early clinical results. Yet, randomized studies have not demonstrated similar results. Do these poor results mean that gene transfer for ischemic cardiovascular disease has failed in its promise, or do they merely signify the inherent challenges of a pioneering field? In this paper we briefly review the clinical experience of gene transfer for ischemic cardiovascular disease and propose future directions for research.

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Correspondence to Robert D Simari.

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Competing interests

Robert D Simari is an investigator in the AGENT 3 study (sponsored by Berlex Pharmaceuticals) and an investigator and a steering committee member in the GENASIS study (sponsored by Corautus Inc.)

Glossary

RUTHERFORD CLASS

Rutherford grading is based on clinical findings of limb ischemia (grade I, claudication; grade II, rest pain; grade III, tissue loss)

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Pislaru, S., Simari, R. Gene transfer for ischemic cardiovascular disease: is this the end of the beginning or the beginning of the end?. Nat Rev Cardiol 2, 138–144 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1038/ncpcardio0136

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