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Introduction:
Advances in understanding and manipulation of genes have lead scientists into utilizing genes in the therapy of many genetic diseases. And since cancer is basically a disease of genetic mutation, it is one of the major assets of this advanced technology. In brief, gene therapy revolves around altering a person's genetic material (DNA or RNA) by insertion of modified genes into specific cells, carried by vectors. Most of these inserted genes are wild-type or functional genes that would replace a mutant or dysfunctional, disease-causing gene. However, gene therapy is not only restricted to repairing mutant genes, other genetic-mediated methods have been developed for the treatment of cancer. These methods include increasing cancer cell's resistance to chemotherapy, blocking angiogenesis, silencing over expressed genes, introduction of suicide genes, and improving the patient's immune response to cancer cells.

Types:
In general, gene therapy is divided into two types:
1) Germ Line Gene Therapy
It is the modification of germ cells (sperms or eggs) by integration of functional genes into the genome of these heritable cells. This will lead the therapy to be passed over to the following generations. Although this approach is theoretically highly effective in eliminating cancer, it is strictly restricted to inherited cancers (which only forms about 5-10% of total cancers) while sporadic cancers are not effected by this method. Unfortunately, this method is prohibited for many technical and ethical issues.

2) Somatic Cell Gene Therapy
It is the introduction of genes into the somatic cells (differentiated cells) of the body, especially tissues of which the tumor has formed. Although this method will not be inherited into the future generations, it is the only usable method for cancer treatment. That is due to this method's ability to treat both inherited and sporadic cancers. It is also...