Three decades of gene therapy development: milestones and prospects

Abstract

Within past 30 years of progress since its first clinical use, gene therapy (GT) has gone from an experimental field to the most actively developing area of modern biomedicine. Significant advances during this period were mixed with sharp declines, and this pathway taken together with new ideas and concepts has formed the main milestones which this short review addresses. Analysis of accumulated experience provides directions, makes up for emerging prospects for the development of GT and sets the vector for their implementation. At the same time, we should not forget about the crucial issues of ethics and safety, which are the cornerstones supporting the use of GT in human. This report briefly summarizes the most important events and fundamental provisions that have shaped the modern landscape of GT, outlines its prospects and problematic issues in the field.