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Human gene therapy and imaging: cardiology

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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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The authors have indicated they have no financial conflicts of interest.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology & Department of Radiology, Division of Nuclear Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Edwards Building, Room R354, Stanford, CA, 94305-5344, USA

    Joseph C. Wu

  2. A.I.Virtanen Institute, University of Kuopio, P.O.Box 1627, 70211, Kuopio, Finland

    Seppo Yla-Herttuala

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Correspondence to Joseph C. Wu.

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Wu, J.C., Yla-Herttuala, S. Human gene therapy and imaging: cardiology. Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging 32 (Suppl 2), S346–S357 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00259-005-1897-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00259-005-1897-6

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