The field of gene therapy presents exciting new opportunities for advances in the management of ovarian cancer. Clinical trials of gene therapy for ovarian cancer have explored the feasibility of delivering a variety of agents as well as highlighted problems with the delivery of therapeutic constructs. Major challenges include enhancing gene transfection with improved vectors, minimizing immunogenicity of viral vectors via novel molecular alterations, effecting tumor-selective gene delivery by targeting genetic alterations present only in tumor cells and utilizing tissue-specific promoters for selective transcription of gene products. Gene therapy research presents unique opportunities for extending the spectrum of ovarian cancer treatment possibilities, either alone or in combination with conventional chemotherapy regimens.

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