BENEFÍCIOS E OBSTÁCULOS DA TERAPIA GÊNICA NO COMBATE AO CÂNCER

Abstract

Gene therapy is an innovative and promising strategy in the fight against cancer, offering new possibilities for the treatment of oncological diseases. This approach is based on the genetic modification of cells to correct genetic defects or strengthen the immune system, with the aim of eliminating tumor cells. Among the benefits are the potential to treat types of cancer resistant to conventional therapies, the reduction of side effects compared to traditional chemotherapy and the possibility of personalized therapies to meet the individual characteristics of each patient. However, gene therapy faces numerous obstacles, such as the need for efficient and safe vectors for gene delivery, specificity in targeting tumor cells and the high costs associated with the development and implementation of this technology. In addition, ethical and regulatory challenges, such as genetic manipulation and unequal access to treatments, hinder its widespread application. Despite these limitations, recent studies highlight significant advances, including the use of tumor-specific promoters and therapeutic combinations with immune genes, which improve the efficacy of treatments. In this sense, gene therapy emerges as a revolutionary approach that, by overcoming technical and ethical challenges, could redefine the panorama of oncological treatment in the future.